By Marie Dufour RD – If you chose to drink alcohol, be an informed consumer. There is more to alcohol than the heart benefits heralded by the media. Know the risks associated with alcohol consumption and make an informed choice.
CALORIES – If you watch your caloric intake, you should know how many calories are in an average drink.
- Beer: regular, 12 oz. = 150-200 calories
- Beer: light, 12 oz. = 100-130 calories
- Wine: dry, 5 oz. = 100-110 calories
- Wine cooler: 12 oz. = 180-200 calories
- Distilled spirits (80-proof): 1 1/2 oz = 100 calories
- Cordial or liqueur: 1 1/2 oz = 160 calories
In addition, juices, sodas and mixers add even more calories to your cocktails.
APPETITE & INHIBITION – Alcohol is an appetite stimulant. It is also a behavioral disinhibitor. This means that when you drink, not only do you feel hungrier, but also are you less able to control your urges to eat and your overall eating decisions (among other behaviors.)
LIVER CLEARANCE – The liver acts as a detox unit and clears the alcohol from our system at the rate of 1 drink an hour. Drinking more than 1/hour puts us in the alcohol poisoning zone.
LONG TERM EFFECTS – Drinking alcohol in moderation (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks a day for men) has been associated with heart health in older men and women (if not in conflict with medications taken.) However, excessive alcohol intake (more than 4 drinks/day) is associated with increased blood pressure and risk of stroke, stomach and pancreatic cancer, liver cirrhosis, accidents at home and on the road, violence and suicide. Overall, alcohol kills 1 in 25 worldwide.
Finally, DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE and DON’T LET FRIENDS DRIVE DRUNK - Enjoy a safe summer.
Ref: ADA’s Public Relations Team – BBC UK World Health
Filed under: diet , alcohol, cancer nutrition, community nutrition, diet, drinking, healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, Marie Dufour RD, Mediterranean Diet, pancreatic cancer, weight control
