alcohol

Alcohol

Calories are most often associated with food; but alcohol also contains calories and when consumed in excess can contribute to weight gain.

Calories are most often associated with food; but alcohol also contains calories and when consumed in excess can contribute to weight gain.

Alcohol consumed in excess can also be detrimental to health as it can affect all parts of the body and can play a role in numerous medical conditions.

In the short-term, excessive alcohol consumption can result in headaches, sickness, dizziness and dehydration. In the long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to more serious health conditions such as liver problems; cardiovascular disease, which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes; and certain types of cancer.

How much is too much?

• One unit of alcohol equates to 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol. One unit of alcohol is the amount that an average adult can process in one hour.
• The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink and the percentage of alcohol it contains. One small glass of wine equates to two units of alcohol and one pint of beer equates to three units.
• Men and women are recommended to have no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, which should be spread over three to four days.
• Although alcohol can be enjoyed as part of life and during special occasions, it is important to consume it in moderation.