Alcohol Facts
Is alcohol good for my health?
Alcohol, especially red wine, contains antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of heart disease by
increasing ‘good’ HDL cholesterol, reducing blood clots and promoting relaxation. The American Heart
Association (AHA) does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain these potential
benefits. However, if you already consume alcohol in moderation, you may be protecting your heart. Other
factors that reduce the risk of heart disease include a healthy diet, exercise, not smoking and keeping a
healthy weight.
While studies show alcohol can be beneficial to the heart others now suggest that there is a connection
between long-term alcohol consumption and cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus. Furthermore,
drinking alcohol to excess over a span of many years can lead to liver disease, and nerve damage. Research
also suggests that, in some women, as little as one drink per day can slightly raise the risk of breast cancer.
Some people are urged not to drink alcohol at all. These groups of people include women who are
pregnant or are trying to get pregnant and people taking certain prescription medications. You may want
to consult your doctor to ask if it is safe for you to drink. If you are able to drink alcohol, it is best to stick to
moderate consumption. Evidence has shown that drinking more than a moderate amount of alcohol puts
your health at risk. You should never drink and operate a motor vehicle.
What is Moderation?
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, defines moderate drinking for men 65 and y ounger as no more
than 2 drinks per day; no more than 1 drink per day for men 65 and older; and no more than 1 drink per
day for women of all ages. A standard alcoholic beverage is equal to: 12 ounces (1 can) of a beer or (1)
wine cooler, 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of wine or 1.5 ounces (1 shot) of 80 proof distilled spirits such as gin,
vodka, whiskey, etc.
Does alcohol contain calories?
Even small quantities of alcohol can be packed with calories. Pure alcohol contains 7 calories per gram,
nearly twice as many calories as carbohydrates and protein (4 calories/gram) but slightly less than fat (9
calories/gram). The number of calories per alcoholic drink is determined by several factors: the amount of
alcohol, the proof, use of mixers and size of the drink.
How is alcohol used in the body?
After entering the body, alcohol is absorbed through the stomach wall and reaches the brain within
minutes. While in circulation, alcohol passes through many body systems before ultimately being
detoxified from the blood by the liver. The rate at which the effects of alcohol are felt is determined by
gender, body composition (height and weight), the presence of food in the stomach and the quantity of
enzymes in the liver.
How can I avoid excess calories and still enjoy alcohol in
moderation?
Select wine or light beer instead of mixed cocktails. Choose drinks mixed with club soda or diet soda.
Added sweeteners, such as syrups and sodas, can have a large effect on total calories. Alternate drinking
alcoholic beverages with water to slow down consumption and prevent dehydration.
Caloric Value of Common Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic Beverage
Calories
Alcoholic Beverage
Calories
Beer, 12 oz
140
Margarita, 8 oz
280
Bloody Mary, 5 oz
120
Martini, 2.5 oz
160
Chocolate Martini, 7 oz
440
Mimosa, 4 oz
75
Coffee Liqueur, 3 oz
350
Mojito, 8 oz
215
Cosmopolitan, 4 oz
200
Pina Colada, 6 oz
375
Eggnog with Rum, 8 oz
370
Rum and Coke, 8 oz
185
Gin and Tonic, 7 oz
200
Vodka and Tonic, 8 oz
200
Green Apple Martini, 3 oz
150
Wine, 4 oz
100
Light beer, 12 oz
100 or less
Wine Spritzer, 5 oz
100
Long Island Iced Tea, 8 oz
400 - 700
White Russian, 5 oz
425
In accordance with the American Heart Association, you are cautioned to NOT start drinking if you do
not already consume alcohol. Consult your doctor on the risks and benefits of consuming alcohol
in moderation.
Sources: www.heart.org; National Institutes of Health on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; Journal of the
American College of Cardiology (2007).