The Answer to 'What Is the Healthiest Beer to Drink?'
Health & Booze: A Brief History
Alcohol has been a part of human culture for centuries, with some of the earliest known fermented beverages dating back to ancient civilizations in Mesopotamia and China. Throughout history, alcohol has been both celebrated for its social and cultural benefits, as well as criticized for its potential negative effects on health. In the United States, for example, the government tried to outlaw alcohol sales with the passing of the 18th Amendment in 1919; however, this decision was pretty quickly reversed following a surge against the temperance movement.
Today, there’s a growing body of scientific evidence to suggest that moderate alcohol consumption can offer some health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, it’s important to keep in mind that excessive alcohol consumption can have serious negative effects on health, including liver damage and an increased risk of certain cancers. Therefore, it’s important to consume alcohol in moderation and to maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
As for the question of whether one night of drinking will ruin a diet, the answer is that it depends on a number of factors, such as the type and amount of alcohol consumed, as well as the individual's overall diet and lifestyle. Though it may seem like alcohol and healthy living don’t go together, today’s consumers can find healthy products, such as hard kombucha, that are fermented with beneficial ingredients like probiotics and antioxidants. When it comes to beer, when consumed in moderation, studies have shown that it can provide extra nutrients, help lower your chances of getting diabetes, lead to healthier heart function, strengthen your bones, provide better blood flow to the brain, keep your teeth clean, lessen inflammation in the body, and may even give you a longer life.
For beer drinkers, the healthiest type of beer is one that is made with high-quality ingredients and enjoyed in moderation. Light beers, for example, tend to be lower in calories and carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for those looking to maintain a healthy weight. It’s important to choose a beer that aligns with your personal health goals.
How Alcohol Can Impact a Healthy Lifestyle
Drinking alcohol in excess can derail a healthy lifestyle, especially if you’re not careful about what you’re drinking. Too much alcohol can impact your health negatively in a number of ways, like dehydrating your body, changing your mood, causing insomnia, and reducing the function of your immune system. It can also lead to weight gain, memory and concentration issues, and other negative health effects.
To minimize the negative effects of alcohol on your health, it’s important to be diligent about the types of alcohol you consume and to drink in moderation. So what is the ‘healthiest beer’ to drink? An important factor that makes some beers “healthier” than others is the absence of artificial flavors and colors, added sweeteners, fillers, preservatives, and GMOs.
One way to reduce the negative effects of alcohol on your health is to choose beer alternatives for weight loss, such as light beers or low-calorie hard seltzers. These types of beverages tend to be lower in calories and carbohydrates, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, some beers, such as IPAs, are rich in antioxidants, which can provide additional health benefits. By choosing “healthier” beers and limiting your alcohol intake, you can still enjoy beer without derailing your healthy lifestyle.
Stay on Track With These 'Healthy' Beers
Looking for the perfect drink for your health-conscious lifestyle? These light and refreshing beers were made with exactly that in mind. Check out our list of the best-tasting light beers below.
Island Active (Original)
4.2% ABV, 2.6g carbs, 88 cal
Island Active (Original) is a crisp and clean premium light lager. Only 88 calories and made without fillers or preservatives, it can be enjoyed wherever your next adventure takes you.
Island Active Lime
4.2% ABV, 2.6g carbs, 88 cal
Island Active Lime is the same low-carb, low-cal, super premium beer as our best-selling Island Active, kissed with a hint of natural lime flavor. Just tart enough to put a smile on your face, but not so much that it makes you pucker.
Island Active Watermelon
4.2% ABV, 2.6g carbs, 88 cal
Island Active Watermelon takes everything you love about watermelon — the juiciness, the endless refreshment — and combines it with our delicious low-calorie lager, without the seeds or stickiness.
Island Active Mango
4.2% ABV, 2.6g carbs, 88 cal
Island Active Mango marries our super premium light lager with natural mango flavor for a beer that tastes like a tropical sunset. Or sunrise. Or midday sun. Read: very, very sunshine-y.
Support Your Healthy Lifestyle with Island Active
Alcohol has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, and unfortunately, there haven’t always been healthy options to choose from. Today, there are alternatives that support a healthy lifestyle, such as light beers and low-calorie hard seltzers. For athletes, choosing a beer that’s rich in antioxidants, lower in calories and carbohydrates, and free of GMOs, can help support their training and recovery. For those simply trying to maintain a healthier lifestyle, these characteristics allow for guilt-free consumption and better morning afters without having to sacrifice on flavor.
Sold in four different flavors (separately or as a variety), Island Active is here to help you build a healthier life. Still not convinced? Island Brands USA is also committed to helping build a healthier planet, pledging at least 1% of annual sales to environmental charities. Support Your Lifestyle with Island Active.
