Alcohol
Alternate Names : ETOH
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Alcohol is made by mixing yeasts with certain sugars. The source of the sugars gives
alcohols their unique tastes and odors. For example, vodka is made from potatoes, and wine comes from grapes.
Alcohol is a calorie-dense food. There are 7 calories in every gram of alcohol. In fact, it contains
almost twice as many calories as carbohydrates
or protein. Here is an idea how many
calories are in some different types of alcohol:
1 drink of beer (made from hops) = 12 ounces = 132 to 168 calories
1 drink of 80-proof Scotch whiskey (made from barley) = 1.5 ounces = 98 calories
1 drink of 100-proof whiskey = 1.5 ounces = 125 calories
1 drink of wine (made from grapes) = 5 ounces = 85 to 145 calories, depending on proof and sweetness of
the grapes
1 drink of liqueur, also known as cordial = 1 ounce = 82 to 116 calories (depending on proof and
any added sweeteners)
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Unlike fat,
protein, and
carbohydrate, alcohol is not
something the body needs to be healthy. In fact, in large doses, alcohol causes
malnutrition. This is because it prevents
nutrients from being absorbed. People who binge drink can develop an early stage of liver disease
called fatty liver. If a binge drinker continues to abuse alcohol,
alcoholic liver disease may develop.
Cirrhosis is the most common type of liver disease
in these cases. It is a chronic disease that causes liver cells to be destroyed. It can also result in
loss of liver function.
Alcohol affects the brain as well as the body. It acts as an
anesthetic. This means it numbs the brain centers.
First the emotion- and decision-governing centers are changed, then areas that govern
muscle control. In the end, the centers that control breathing and heartbeat are affected.
|
Previous section
