Alcohol and diet

Alternative names:

diet and alcohol; liquor

Definition:

Alcohol is the product of the fermentation of starches and sugars; a colorless, volatile, flammable liquid.

Functions:

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and acts as a mild anesthetic and tranquilizer. It is toxic in large quantities.

Alcohol is considered a "macronutrient" in that it provides energy. Energy is measured in calories and alcohol has about 7 Calories per gram (a nutritional Calorie is 1,000 "energy calories" or 1 kcal). The calories obtained from alcohol are "empty" because alcohol contains no other beneficial nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. One-half ounce of pure alcohol, the amount in a 1-ounce shot (2 tablespoons) of liquor, contains approximately 80 to 90 Calories. Carbonated beverages or fruit juices contribute additional calories when mixed with alcohol.

Alcohol content of various alcohol-containing beverages:
"Proof" is the alcohol content of distilled liquors. It is the percentage of alcohol (by volume) multiplied by two. For example:

• 100-proof alcohol = 50% alcohol
• 200 proof alcohol = 100% alcohol

The Caloric content of liquors is calculated by this formula:
0.8 X proof X ounces = Calories

So, for example, 6 ounces of 50 proof alcohol provides:
0.8 X 50 X 6 = 240 Calories

The alcohol content of wine is given as a percentage. White wines average 12%, and red wines are around 14%.

The alcohol content of beer is between 3 to 8% alcohol. "Light" or lower-Calorie beers have fewer calories and are closer to 3% alcohol content. Liqueurs such as sherry and dessert liqueurs contain 40 to 50% alcohol and tend to be higher in calories.

In terms of alcohol content, 12 oz beer = 4 oz glass of wine = 1 oz liquor.