How Many Calories in Champagne?

This New Years Eve, many of us will be popping open a bottle of bubbly and toasting both the last year and the year to come. There will be cheers, jeers and plenty of champagne flowing. But considering how many extra calories we put away over the Christmas season, is drinking champagne the wisest choice? In fact, is drinking anything the best choice? For me, the last few days have been topped off with a few glasses of wine over large family dinners and it's time to put the holiday indulgences aside and start focusing on healthy eating again. I've felt sluggish and bloated. So my question is: Can I drink a glass of bubbly without packing a calorie wallop?

How many calories are in a glass of champagne?

1. 50
2. 90
3. 150
4. 220

The answer is 90 calories! Actually, as far as alcohol goes, it's one of the better choices -- it's relatively low in calories, it's fat-free, it's low in sugar, and all those bubbles will help make you feel fuller to keep you from drinking more than you should. So go ahead, enjoy a glass of champagne--maybe ever two--before the New Years diet sets in. But remember, don't drink too much -- those calories can add up pretty fast. And don't drink and drive.

Champagne is most commonly used to help celebrate just about any special occasion that comes to mind: weddings, New Year’s, anniversaries, a hot date night and the list continues. Regular champagne drinkers can indulge in their favorite spirit because it has been found to have similar health benefits as red wine.

Like red wine, champagne contains polyphenols, a particular class of plant-based natural antioxidants. Champagne is processed from a mixture of red and white grapes. The red grapes are credited with having the most polyphenols.

Researchers believe the polyphenols increase a special gas called nitric oxide that is responsible for helping blood vessels open up. This is very critical to help the smooth flow of blood throughout the body and avoid those nasty blood clots that can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

Champagne also is rich in a red grape antioxidant that has gained quite a bit of attention for its presumed super powers: resveratrol. Simply put, studies have suggested that resveratrol apparently has the power to help keep you young. Not only is it good for the heart, it also helps to slow the onset of some cancers and may help you to live longer.

It is okay to enjoy champagne for its heart healthy perks. Always remember to drink alcohol responsibly and look out for each other.