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Types of Alcohol Needed to Increase Good HDL Level

A benefit of alcohol, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), is the fact that it contributes to raising the level of HDL cholesterol, known as the "good cholesterol" for its tendency to move bad cholesterol out of the arteries, which therefore can prevent heart disease and hardening of the arteries. The AHA also advises that there are other ways to raise HDL levels; you should not begin drinking for health reasons if you do not already drink.

  1. Red Wine

    • According to the AHA, red wine has the most demonstrably positive effects on the heart. This is due largely to the fact that, in addition to its alcoholic content that increases HDL levels, red wine is full of flavonoids and other antioxidants. Antioxidants, present in vegetables and fruits such as red grapes, prevent the deterioration of cells in the blood and the heart.

    Liquor

    • Liquor has the smallest calorie-to-alcoholic content ratio, excepting sweetened liquors and high-sugar liquors, such as rum. One glass of wine is approximately equal in alcoholic content to a 1.5-oz. shot of 80-proof distilled liquor. When comparing the calories in these quantities, the Modern Wine Cellar website found that the average glass of red wine contained anywhere from 114 to 120 calories, while a shot of 80-proof distilled liquor contained about 98. Also, hard liquor contains zero carbohydrates, the enzyme that raises blood sugar and can, in turn, raise levels of "bad" cholesterol. Therefore, for the purest infusion of HDL-promoting alcohol, distilled spirits are the way to go. However, all the benefits to your heart's health are mitigated if the liquor is combined with a sugary mixer, such as soda or sour mix.

    White Wine

    • Although white wine does not contain the flavonoids and high levels of antioxidants as red wine, it does tend to be lower in overall calories than red wine. Again, all alcoholic content affects HDL levels in the same way, so it is important to take into account other factors affecting heart health, such as caloric content and carbohydrate levels. The Modern Wine Cellar website estimates the average glass of dry white wine to contain about 110 calories, compared to red's 114 to 120. Take note that off-dry wines, such as Reisling, have comparable caloric levels to that of red, as do sparkling wines like dry champagne. Carbohydrate levels are about equal.

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