Definition:
Alcohol comes from fermenting starches and sugars. Alcohol has about 7 calories per gram. These are considered "empty" calories because alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.
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. Sugary, carbonated beverages and 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 a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor have about the same amount of alcohol and the same number of calories. Beer is 3 - 8% alcohol. "Light" or lower-calorie beers are closer to 3% alcohol. "Hard" liquors contain about 40% alcohol and tend to be higher in calories. White wines average 12% alcohol, and red wines average 14% alcohol. "Proof" means the alcohol content of distilled liquors. It is the percentage of alcohol multiplied by two. For example: - 50% alcohol = 100-proof
- 100% alcohol = 200-proof
References:
Sherin K, Kaiser G. Alcohol abuse. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 63. Mukamal KJ, Chiuve SE, Rimm EB. Alcohol consumption and risk for coronary heart disease in men with healthy lifestyles. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:2145-2150. Screening and behavioral counseling interventions in primary care to reduce alcohol misuse: Recommendation statement. Rockville, MD. US Preventative Services Task Force; April 2004. Accessed May 2, 2009.
|