Alcohol and diet

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

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

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