No Alcohol Is Healthy, But Are Some Drinks Healthier Than Others? Experts Weigh In
Plus, how to drink with your health in mind.
When I heard the 2025 Surgeon General’s advisory that any amount of alcohol can increase one’s risk of cancer, I decided to cut out drinking forever (even though I’m not a heavy drinker). Throughout my life, I’ve been nervous about cancer and have done my best to avoid risk: I exercise often, stay out of the sun when possible, and limit processed foods. Swearing off alcohol would be just one more cancer-avoidant habit.
But drinking, even moderately, isn’t just associated with cancer—there are many other health issues that are commonly linked with consuming alcohol, such as heart disease, liver disease, pancreatic issues, inflammation (which can contribute to chronic diseases), and brain shrinkage, says Nichole Andrews, RDN, a registered dietitian specializing in oncology.
Still, despite the health risks, people will largely keep drinking because they enjoy it, Andrews says. “Humans are wired for pleasure, and alcohol is deeply embedded in culture,” she adds. (After a few months of not drinking, I too began to question whether I wanted to stop drinking forever, or just be choosy about what I drank.
If you’re in the same boat—and are wondering whether some alcoholic drinks are healthier than others—keep reading to find out how to drink with your health in mind, and the healthiest (and least healthy) bevs to consume.
