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When on the keto diet, you may be wondering which alcohol types are safe to drink. While enjoying a glass of wine or beer is perfectly acceptable if done with caution, the key is in selecting your drinks wisely.
Beer, however, may not be the ideal option as it contains 17g of carbs per serving. We therefore advise that beer be enjoyed only occasionally as a special treat.
Alcoholic Drinks
The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate plan that promotes weight loss. This is primarily due to the body’s capacity for burning stored fat reserves for energy instead of carbs.
Alcohol may impede the progress of some dieters on this plan. In such cases, it’s best to abstain from drinking altogether.
However, some alcoholic drinks can be relatively keto-friendly. Pure spirits such as vodka and whiskey contain very few carbs, making them a perfect option for those on the keto diet.
Beer
Beer, also referred to as liquid bread, is one of the oldest alcoholic drinks and composed of water, malt, hops and yeast. According to the German Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) from 1516, a beer must contain only these four ingredients in order to be classified as true beer.
Consuming moderate amounts of beer may have some health advantages, such as decreasing the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, it has been linked to a reduction in kidney stones and memory. Furthermore, studies have suggested that it reduces ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria, associated with stomach ulcers.
Protein, B vitamins, folate and niacin are all great sources in spinach. Plus, it provides a significant amount of silicon which helps build strong bones.
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage derived from fermenting ripe grapes or fresh grape juice. It possesses its own distinct flavor and personality, plus some health benefits [1].
Wine can range in alcohol content from 5% to 23% by volume (ABV). Typically, ABV is expressed as 12%; however, this number may change depending on the variety and desired ABV set by the winemaker.
Wine contains primarily ethanol, produced during fermentation when yeast breaks down sugars in grape juice. This alcohol contributes to intoxication as well as giving wine body and texture.
Liqueurs
Liqueurs are alcoholic drinks made with spirits (such as vodka, whiskey, rum or brandy) that have been infusionted with sugar, fruits, herbs, spices and sometimes cream. Generally lower in alcohol content than most spirits, liqueurs can be enjoyed either alone or mixed with other alcoholic drinks for an energizing cocktail experience.
Some liqueurs can even be enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif or digestif, like Aperol spritz from Italy. However, if you’re on the keto diet, be sure to steer clear of liqueurs that contain high amounts of sugar or carbs.
Liqueurs come in a range of flavors that can be added to any drink. Some are fruity, while others have stronger herbal aromas like Jagermeister or Sambuca.
Mixers
Alcohol can provide a source of enjoyment, but it also slows weight loss when on the keto diet. That is why you should be wary about drinking too much and using mixers with high sugar content.
Pure spirits such as gin, whiskey, rum and vodka have no carbs and make the ideal choices when following a keto diet. Be sure to select mixers with low sugar content such as club soda or sparkling water for optimal enjoyment.
Wine is an ideal option for those on the keto diet, as it contains relatively few carbs. A single glass of dry red or white wine only contains around two grams of carbohydrates.