The Caloric Content of Alcohol. Impact on Health
Lena Bauer
2026-03-22
4 min. read
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Events such as holidays, birthdays, or welcoming the New Year are often associated with raising glasses of alcohol... It is widely believed that alcohol contains only empty calories... are you certain?
Nutritional content of alcoholic beverages
The nutritional content of alcoholic beverages varies depending on their type. The higher the percentage of alcohol in the drink, the higher the kilocalorie content in 100 g. The sugar content also plays a role. Red wine is considered the healthiest alcoholic beverage due to its high antioxidant content, while beer is considered the least healthy. Below we present the nutritional content of 100 g of red wine and sweet vermouth.
For individuals dealing with allergies
Not everyone is aware that alcohol can trigger allergic reactions. Beer contains a gluten-containing sweetener, just like cereal-based vodka. Therefore, it can cause unwanted reactions in people with celiac disease. Wine contains sulfur compounds that can cause skin redness, swelling, nausea, headache, or stomach problems and can contribute to the worsening of symptoms associated with chronic diseases (asthma, atopic dermatitis). However, there are studies that contradict the theory that alcohol has an impact on the occurrence of allergic reactions. In 2007, a study was conducted that showed that wine has no effect on the frequency of asthma attacks. Nevertheless, some people may be more sensitive to alcohol and develop allergic reactions.
Wine – The Healthiest Alcoholic Beverage
Red drinking wine is widely regarded as one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages. It offers antioxidant properties and contains flavonoids, resveratrol, and tannins. These compounds assist in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, heart attacks). It is rich in antioxidants, which have an impact on slowing down aging processes or alleviating their consequences. Red drinking wine can also aid in gastrointestinal discomfort, as tannins retain water in the body.
Appropriate amount
Alcohol ought to be consumed in a responsible manner. The safe daily dose of pure ethanol for women is 10 g and for men 20 g. There should be at least two days in a week without any alcohol consumption. 10 g is equivalent to 250 g of beer, around 100 g of wine, or 30 g of vodka.
Harmful effects of alcohol consumption
An excessive intake of alcohol can lead to an increased risk of developing digestive tract cancers (e.g. throat, esophagus), liver cirrhosis, or pancreatitis. It is highly dangerous to mix this type of beverage with medications, as they can amplify or weaken the effect of pharmaceuticals, posing a threat to health or even life. Depending on the type of alcohol, it can affect blood glucose levels, hence alcohol consumption is not recommended for diabetics. Frequent alcohol consumption can also lead to addiction and aggression, which can result in harm to others and oneself.
Utilization of alcohol in diverse domains
Alcohol is widely used as a relaxing and calming agent. Individuals who consume alcohol typically become more courageous and experience an improved mood. Wine or whiskey can be utilized in the preparation of dishes because of their aroma, such as marinades or meat sauces. There is also a technique known as flambéing, which involves pouring strong alcohol over food and igniting it. In this manner, one can prepare, for example, French Suzette with oranges. In the confectionery industry, alcohol is employed in the production of cake masses and bajaderas. Consuming alcohol, such as wine, can accentuate the flavor of dishes. Therefore, it is worth investigating this subject to fully appreciate the aroma of dishes. For instance, one glass of dry red wine (150 g) contains 102 calories, one glass of vermouth (150 g) contains 233 calories, one bottle of beer (500 g) contains 245 calories, and one glass of vodka (25 g) contains 56 calories.
