Alcohol generally refers to drinks which contain varying amounts of absolute alcohol (chemically termed ethyl alcohol). Alcoholic beverages are usually made by fermentation of sugars and carbohydrates (from different sources). Yeast is used to convert these into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide. As a food substance, alcoholic drinks have a restricted food value in the form of sugar (as in sweet wine) and carbohydrates (in beer). About 190-240 grams of pure alcohol per day is equivalent to 1300-1600 calories which is enough to provide basic energy for the body for a day. Inspite of its high calorific value it is better known as ‘empty calories’ because it does not provide the essential nutrients to the body. In addition, alcohol impairs absorption and metabolism of essential nutrients from other foods. ‘Alcoholics’ usually suffer from such deficiencies. This can be reduced by the type and manner of alcoholic beverage consumption.
