The Skinny
Looking for the hair of the dog that bit you or perhaps a wee dram to ease your troubled mind and fight off the night’s chill? Either way, Americans drink a lot of alcohol. In fact, a 20-year rise in alcohol consumption culminated last January with reports that Americans now drink more alcohol per person than they consumed just before Prohibition was enacted in 1920. Aside from the real threat alcohol can deliver to many, what’s the nutritional breakdown of the leading mainstream liquors? WellWell has the answers.
The Slate
A 1.5-ounce drink of rum has about 100 calories, 14 grams of alcohol and not much else. Don’t despair, the ancillary health benefits of rum include its ability to act as a blood thinner, potentially fight diabetes and also serve a mood booster.
A 1.5-ounce of tequila mirrors rum in calorie count (100), grams of alcohol (14) and the fact it offers little else. On the flip side, it is reputed to help cleanse the colon, assist in weight loss and fight colds.
The same 1.5 ounces of bourbon whiskey has a few more calories than tequila and rum at 105 and slightly more alcohol at 15 grams. It’s relatively low-calorie count, coupled with its strong taste, make it an option for weight conscious individuals looking for an alternative to beer. Beyond this, bourbon’s high level of ellagic acid, an antioxidant, lends some credence to reports it can help fight cancer, but much more research is needed to confirm this connection.
What do you get in 1.5 ounces of single malt scotch? It depends on the distiller but in general that amount contains less than 100 calories with a little bit of sodium (0.42 mg) and 14 grams of alcohol. On the health benefits side the equation, scotch does contain antioxidants, can fight congestion tied to the common cold, lower uric acid levels, reduce stress, slim the risk of diabetes and support cardiovascular health (if consumed in moderation).
Gin comes in at 110 calories and almost 15 grams of alcohol for every 1.5 ounces. Some studies suggest it may support bone health while also containing antioxidants that might help fight cancer.
Like its liquor compatriots, 1.5 ounces of vodka has 97 calories and 14 grams of alcohol. What can it reputedly deliver on the health side? Well, it can be used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, serve as a face cleaner and fight bad breath.
Eyes Up
What’s your drink of choice and what are it health benefits and nutritional breakdown? Let us know at info@wellwellusa.com
