Copyright gqindia
Are there really any health benefits of drinking vodka? Or are we just dressing up happy hour's clear liquor as a clear conscience? In a world where social and professional lives often intersect over cocktails, many are looking for ways to unwind without compromising their health goals. Vodka, a clear, highly distilled spirit, has often been dismissed as an “empty calorie” option. To learn about the health benefits of drinking vodka, GQ consulted health experts, exploring the concept of “moderate drinking” and whether this spirit offers any relative advantages. Here’s their top advice. What are the health benefits of drinking Vodka? Experts focus on the concept of “moderate drinking” and the potential cardiovascular benefits associated with clear, highly distilled spirits, such as vodka, noting their lower levels of congeners (fusel oils) compared to dark liquors. Congeners are minor compounds that occur naturally in alcohol beverages as a result of distilling and fermenting processes. Research suggests that dark liquors like bourbon have 37 times the amount of congeners as vodka. They also explain ABV (Alcohol by Volume) standards (typically 40 per cent) and how this impacts caloric intake, emphasising that the primary health risk comes from sugary mixers. Certified nutrition coach Anaheez Patel says, “Vodka, being a clear spirit with fewer congeners and roughly 65 calories per ounce, is one of the lighter options if consumed mindfully. The trick is in the mix: swap sugary tonics for soda water, cucumber or a hint of citrus to enjoy the ritual without the sugar crash.” The Gut Health Counterpoint This lighter profile, however, does not make vodka a healthy beverage. In fact, from a physiological perspective, the ethanol in vodka presents a challenge to the body’s internal systems. “From a strength and gut-health perspective, I see no real upside to alcohol—even in moderation,” adds Nyela Kapadia, fitness expert and co-founder of Intermittent Fasting and Mindful Living. “Ethanol acts like a disinfectant inside your system, wiping out beneficial gut bacteria that are essential for recovery, hormone balance and performance. For me, purity isn’t about the drink’s distillation—it’s about keeping your internal ecosystem uncompromised.” Managing Risks: The Important Role of Mixers and Hydration Finally, experts advise the necessity of strict moderation while enjoying a balanced spirit, reminding us that the true benefits of drinking vodka lie in mindful consumption. Whether or not one believes in a true “benefit”, the consensus is that less is always better, and responsible consumption practices are the only way to mitigate potential harm. “As per the latest reports, no amount of alcohol does your body good. Having said that, vodka is one of the better ones. But there are a few things to keep in mind—congeners are not the only element responsible for the hangover; the alcohol by itself matters,” concludes Kamna Bhandari, nutritionist and co-founder, Intermittent Fasting and Mindful Living. Avoid binge drinking; moderation is the key. Alternate your drink with lemon salt water, as this not only keeps you hydrated, but it will also prevent excessive drinking and prevent a hangover the next day. The damage also comes in when dinners get late due to drinking, the snacking that comes with it and the sugary mixers. Therefore, the expert consensus is clear. While vodka may be one of the “better” choices because of its relative purity and lower congeners, no amount of alcohol is actively beneficial for the body. Any perceived benefit is entirely dependent on moderation and mindful consumption, especially by avoiding high-sugar mixers. For those choosing to drink, vodka offers a cleaner base, but the final responsibility for a healthy lifestyle lies in managing overall consumption and prioritising hydration and nutrition alongside drinking alcohol.
