If you enjoy a drink now and then, here’s something you might want to consider: your choice of alcoholic beverage could impact your overall diet and health in surprising ways. A recent study has revealed notable differences in dietary habits between beer drinkers, wine drinkers, and those who opt for liquor or cocktails, showing how these choices can influence long-term health. The study, which examined the drinking habits of over 1,900 adults in the US, assessed how alcohol preferences correlate with scores on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI).
The HEI is a standard measure of diet quality, awarding higher scores for diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while marking down diets high in refined grains, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Beer Drinkers and Diet QualityThe findings suggest that people who primarily drink beer may have less nutritious diets than those who prefer wine or liquor. Dr Peng-Sheng Ting, a gastroenterologist at Tulane University and the study’s author noted that "beer-only drinkers were more likely to have lower income, higher rates of smoking, and less physical activity compared to those who consumed other types of alcohol.
" Beer drinkers scored approximately 3.1 points lower on the HEI than wine drinkers. This reflects some common patterns among beer drinkers, who tend to consume fewer fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and more refined grains.
They were more likely to indulge in processed snacks or pub-style foods, which are typ.
