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Alcohol and diet

Definition

Alcohol comes from fermentingstarches and sugars. When consumed, alcohol depresses your nervous system and acts as a mild anesthetic and tranquilizer. It is toxic in large quantities.

Alternative Names

Liquor; Diet - alcohol

Function

Alcohol has about 7 calories per gram. These are considered "empty" calories because alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

A 12-ounce beer contains about 150 calories. Carbonated beverages or fruit juices contribute additional calories when mixed with alcohol in a cocktail.

Beers, wines, and liquors all contain different amounts of alcohol. In general, a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and 1.5-ounce shot of liquor have about the same amount of alcohol.

Beer is between 3-8% alcohol. "Light" or lower-calorie beers are closer to 3% alcohol. Liqueurs, such as sherry and dessert liqueurs, contain 40-50% alcohol and tend to be higher in calories.

White wines average 12%, and red wines are around 14%.

The "proof" is the alcohol content of distilled liquors. It is the percentage of alcohol multiplied by two. For example:

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

Review Date: 1/29/2004
Reviewed By: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/30/2002).

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