Over recent years, non-alcoholic beverages have gained popularity as an alternative drink for those who don’t want to experience the intoxicating effects of alcohol.
Whether you’re health-conscious or simply abstaining from alcohol for personal reasons, the question lies: is non-alcoholic wine good for you?
Here, we explore everything you need to know about alcohol-free wine, its potential benefits, any drawbacks and the role it could play in a balanced lifestyle.
What is Non-Alcoholic Wine?
Non-alcoholic wine is made from a complex process that involves the removal of alcohol from regular wine. This approach not only changes the alcohol content but also the taste and aroma of the original product, and can also impact the health properties of the final product.
For those with health concerns, personal reasons or alcohol addiction issues, non-alcoholic wine is often a favourable choice. What’s more, with such an array of non-alcoholic wine available these days, those who want to simply reduce their alcohol consumption but still enjoy a drink of wine often find that non-alcoholic wine is an appealing alternative.
Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Good For You?
One of the biggest benefits of non-alcoholic wine is that it contains less or no alcohol in it. This has a direct impact on the number of calories in the drink, which means that non-alcoholic wine is a great option for those interested in health-conscious lifestyles. Without the alcohol associated with regular wine, there’s also a lower risk of health issues caused by alcohol as well as accidents and injury which commonly increase when under the influence.
Research also shows that non-alcoholic wine contains antioxidants which are good for the heart. This includes flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which contribute to a better cardiovascular system.
Can Non- Alcoholic Wine Be Bad For You?
While non-alcoholic wine does come with plenty of benefits, it’s also important to consider any potential drawbacks. The main issues around these drinks include their calorie and sugar content. While non-alcoholic wine typically contains fewer calories than traditional wine, it’s not calorie-free. Those people who are watching their calorie intake need to consider this when planning their diet.
Unfortunately, some non-alcoholic beverages also contain more sugar in them to compensate for the absence of alcohol, and the same goes with non-alcoholic beer. With this in mind, it’s important to check the labels and search for ones with low sugar levels, especially if you are concerned about your sugar intake or have specific dietary restrictions.
Another important consideration is that non-alcoholic wine may still contain sulfites, which are found in regular wine to preserve its flavour and freshness. Sulfites are typically safe for most people but there is a risk that you might have a sulfite allergy or sensitivity. Instead, look for bottles that are labelled as sulphite-free.
In addition to this, occasionally certain additives and processing agents are added during the production to remove alcohol from non-alcoholic wines. Again, if you have any known allergies or sensitivities, it’s best to look for beverages that don’t contain any of these additives.
It’s also important to think about the potential triggers of drinking non-alcoholic beverages. For example, those in addiction recovery may find that the ritual, aroma and taste of non-alcoholic wine triggers unwanted emotions and reactions. With this in mind, you should consider individual preferences to avoid a potential relapse.
Is Non-Alcoholic Wine Bad For Your Liver?
Generally, non-alcoholic wine is considered safe for your liver, especially compared to regular wine. This is because non-alcoholic beverages contain little or no alcohol, which is a huge contributor to liver damage especially when consumed excessively.
When alcohol is consumed, it is metabolised by the liver. Chronic, prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can result in liver damage, inflammation, fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. As a result of non-alcoholic wine undergoing a process that removes or at least reduces its alcohol content, there is a much lower risk of liver-related issues which are associated with alcohol consumption. You can also find out if non-alcoholic beer is bad for your liver here.
Should People In Recovery Drink Non-Alcoholic Beverages?
In short, yes people in addiction recovery can drink non-alcoholic beverages. However, great care and consideration should be given when it comes to those individuals consuming such drinks. This is because non-alcoholic beverages can mimic the taste of alcohol which isn’t always advisable or suitable for those in recovery. It could even trigger a potential relapse.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the impact non-alcoholic drinks could have on your recovery, or someone you care about, you’ll be pleased to know that there are various options that offer a similar experience – and come with a reduced risk of relapse. This includes adding fruit juice to sparkling water to create a fizzy drink with no alcohol content.
Herbal teas can also be enjoyed hot or cold and there are different blends and flavours so you can find one that best appeals to you. Soda and fresh citrus can be combined to create a refreshing and tangy beverage and the warmth of ginger beer can provide a robust and spicy drink to enjoy.
Seek Help For Alcohol Addiction Today
While it can’t be denied that non-alcoholic wine does offer a range of health benefits, especially for those who want to reduce their alcohol intake or are concerned about the risky effects of alcohol on the body and brain, we also can’t ignore the fact that non-alcoholic wine isn’t suitable for everyone.
In fact, when choosing a drink, it’s important to acknowledge any limitations associated with it, especially for those who are in recovery. If you are struggling to reduce your alcohol consumption, are on the road to alcohol addiction recovery or are trying to support a loved one, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Remember that your well-being is a huge priority and we have the resources and support you need and can guide you towards a healthier, happier and alcohol-free lifestyle.
So, get in touch today and take the first step towards your new future with a team who are friendly, professional and non-judgemental.
