The Nine Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks - Gizmodo

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I came across this article while surfing the net. Thought I would share since we are all (or all should be) health conscious. Article via Gizmodo 

The Nine Healthiest Alcoholic Drinks

It's summer time. You want to look good. You want to feel good—especially after that hangover from the time you tried to drink all day without passing out. So how are you supposed to relax with an adult beverage on the beach, porch, or patio? By choosing one of the nine healthiest drinks you can pour up.

It's Friday afternoon, you've made it through the long week, and it's time for Happy Hour, Gizmodo's weekly booze column. A cocktail shaker full of innovation, science, and alcohol. Here's to your health.

In the quest for healthy booziness, we talked to Ms. Maren Robinson, certified nutritional consultant (CNC) and master of public health (MPH). As a holistic nutritionist, she doesn't just count calories—she looks at a cocktail's comprehensive health profile. These drinks are on this list based on their nutrient value, caloric density, potential for obtaining fruit and vegetable servings, sugar content, antioxidant level, and medicinal properties. Plus flavor.

The Warning

"Healthy" is a pretty subjective term. Nothing on this list is healthy when multiplied by four. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, drinking in moderation is defined as having "up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men." Our bodies treat alcohol as a toxin. No matter what form it takes, your body can only process so much, so quickly. Robinson notes, "Although these drinks may be healthier options, it does not mean you should consume more. The fewer the drinks, the fewer the calories, and reduced risk of longer term problems. Further, if you are an alcoholic, seek the appropriate treatment options, and avoid drinking alcohol." Further, "healthy" is a subjective term. Some people are looking to keep calories down, some are looking to get vitamins and nutrients. Here are the Gizmodo picks!