All About the Alcohol

    
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a great opportunity to raise awareness around alcohol and encourage people to make healthy and safe beverage choices. We all know that alcohol in excess over time can contribute to adverse health effects, but included are things like obesity, liver disease, heart problems and even cancers of the breast, mouth, throat, liver, esophagus and colon. To know what excess means, we first need to understand the serving size of a standard alcoholic drink. Generally one drink is equal to the following, one beer about 12 ounces, a glass of wine usually 4 ounces and a serving of liquor around 1.5 ounces (when 80 proof). Certain people, due to specific health conditions and medications, really need to limit the amount they consume or abstain from alcohol all together. Usually, for general health, it’s suggested to not exceed two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

Nutritionally, alcohol is what dietitians refer to as ‘empty’ calories. In other words, it has a fair amount of energy but very little nutrition. Since the majority of the population is weight conscious, it’s important to watch the amount of calories (cal), or energy, we consume. To be calorie smart when it comes to our drinks, the following may help you out. For beer, non-alcoholic usually has the same amount of calories as alcoholic which is around 140 cal per serving. Light beers will usually have less, but heavy ales tend to have a fair bit more. A champagne or dry wine will have about 100 cal per glass whereas a sweet or dessert wine or liqueur would have more. The amount of energy in hard alcohol like rum, vodka, whiskey or gin will all depend on the proof of alcohol. As a general rule, the higher the proof the higher the calories. Mixed drinks are often quite variable and will depend on the size and what ingredients are used. It’s a good idea to mix your own drink, that way you know and can control exactly how much mix and the alcohol that is used.

The consumption of alcohol is very much the definition of ‘everything in moderation.’ Alcohol in small amounts, similar to other foods like dark chocolate and coffee, can have beneficial health effects. Some of the positive health effects of alcohol in limited quantities include cardiovascular protection by increasing our good cholesterol, blood flow and insulin sensitivity. Red wine is famous for its healthful properties, but really when it comes to small amounts of alcohol for heart protection, it’s actually all kinds that are helpful - not just the red wine! For some drink ideas which are high in antioxidants (a.k.a. the disease fighting chemicals in red wine) try switching things up a bit. Instead of an apple martini, try a green tea-tini with chilled green tea or a pomegranate mimosa with real pomegranate juice. Alcohol can be good for us in small quantities but always remember, too much of a good thing is not always the best thing. When choosing to enjoy alcohol remember the serving size, recommendations for daily limits, and always use a designated driver or taxi.

Recipe for Green Tea-tini

1 oz chilled green tea
1.5 oz grey goose vodka
¼ ounce grand marnier
1 tsp fresh lime juice
Lime slices as a garnish
Pour tea and alcohol into a shaker and halfway filled with ice and shake for about 25 seconds and set aside. Swirl lime juice in martini glass and then discard juice (this is just enough to give it a little extra flavour). Pour the shaker mixture into the glass, garnish and enjoy!

Recipe for Pomegranate Mimosa

Champagne flute of sparkling cider
½ oz of pomegranate juice
Lemon peel for garnish
Add cider and juice to glass. Garnish with peel and enjoy!

As seen in The Telegram April 25, 2011