Nearly 70% of American adults drink each year. At the same time alcohol certainly have some negative health effects, there can also be some advantages to moderate consumption. Megan Kober, a registered dietitian with Metabolism Makeover says that “We have to clarify that alcohol is, indeed, a poison. So we’re not trying to say alcohol itself is healthy.” But research has shown that having a drink or two a day can actually have some protective heart health benefits, because it helps us relax.

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Here’s what you need to know about the healthiest alcohols and which you should avoid. 

Red Wine: When it comes to a healthier alcohol, red wine is top of the list. Red wine contains antioxidants, which can protect your cells from damage, and polyphenols which can promote heart health. White wine and rose contain those too but in smaller quantities.  

Champagne: The grapes used to make champagne are high in phenolic compounds, a type of antioxidant that can boost brain health and may help reduce risk for dementia. In fact, a 2013 animal study found that champagne improved memory in aged rodents.

Tequila: Research on mice shows that consuming the agave tequila plant can increase calcium absorption and improve bone health. However, for humans, it’s doubtful that drinking tequila can actually help treat calcium deficiency or bone conditions like osteoporosis.

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Whiskey: We’ve all heard about the antioxidant benefits of red wine and research had found that whiskey can have a similar effect. In fact, that study concluded that moderate alcohol usage plus increased antioxidant intake may help decrease risk for heart disease. However, whether alcohol can really be heart-healthy is still debated, and it’s likely better to indulge in other antioxidant-rich treats like dark chocolate.