This segment covered the serving sizes, effect on your body, and benefits and drawbacks of alcohol.

Standard guidelines for consumption has been developed for Canadians to avoid binge drinking:

• 1-2 a day for women
• 2-3 a day for men

Standard Serving sizes:

• 12 oz. is for coolers and beer and is 5% alcohol
• 4 or 5 oz. is for wines and is 12% (although there are some at 7%)
• 1.5 oz. is for hard liquor (rum, gin, whiskey) and is 40%

More alcohol is absorbed in your small intestine than in the stomach. It can take about 20 minutes for the alcohol to hit your bloodstream. Having a meal can help reduce the rate at which the alcohol is released in your blood and it is recommended to eat while you drink.

Alcohol is a high energy drink; it is metabolized at 7 kcal/g, which is considered ’empty calories’. Here is a comparison:

• Fat = 9 kcal/g
• Alcohol = 7 kcal/g
• Protein & Carbs = 4 kcal/g

Wine can be beneficial to health, particularly heart disease risk if consumed in moderation. Above one or 2 drinks per day, reduces the protective affect and is not then recommended for health.

The key is to enjoy in moderation throughout the week and avoid binge drinking. Additionally, watch out for those extra calories consumed with mix and snacking!

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