Alcohol has a score penalty because research shows excessive consumption can increase the risk of many health conditions, including cancers, high blood pressure, and liver disease. Chronic consumption may also have a negative impact on your gut microbiome and cause intestinal inflammation.

Instead of alcohol, you could try:

That said, we also acknowledge that occasionally enjoying a drink fits into many people's lives. Social gatherings often have drinking at their core, contributing to relaxation and a sense of togetherness.

We want to help you make lifestyle changes that are sustainable. So with this in mind, if choosing to have a drink, try to stay hydrated and drink alongside a meal to slow the absorption of alcohol.

Red wine also seems to be the best option as it has been associated with certain health benefits related to its polyphenol content 🍷. Polyphenols are micronutrients found in plants and are packed with antioxidants. Red wine is enriched with a specific type of polyphenol, known as resveratrol, which has been associated with heart-health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties in large population studies.

However, like most things in nutrition, it's important to remember that balance is key. While red wine may provide some polyphenols, excessive consumption of wine still has a negative impact on health, so we suggest drinking with caution. But if you are fuelling your body daily with nutritionally rich foods to support your metabolic responses, an occasional glass of wine usually won't negate all your efforts.