The Christmas Spirits!
Mysterious, smooth, strong...
spirits were considered to be elixirs in the Middle Ages and used
strictly for medicinal purposes. With time, they came to be
associated with pleasure, fine dining, good health and sometimes
danger. The holidays are rife with occasions to imbibe, so remember
that moderation is the key to happy holidays. The health benefits of alcohol are increasingly in the news, but scientists are especially interested in red wine. Substances called polyphenols (ex: resveratrol, tannins, flavonoids) in the wine act as anti-oxidants making wine good for the heart. Moderate, regular consumption of red wine with meals along with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are more closely associated than ever to lowering the incidence of heart disease. These benefits can be had with one or two 125-mL glasses of wine a day. Overindulgence however is very harmful as it increases the risk of cirrhosis and many forms of cancer.
The alcohol in drinks contains 7 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for proteins and glucides and 9 calories for lipids. Alcoholic beverages in themselves are not fattening when enjoyed in moderation and without the inevitable chips, nuts, cheese, etc. The "beer belly" some men get with age is not caused by beer itself, but by overindulgence, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
| Beer | 5 % | 341 mL | 150 kcal |
| Beer | dealcoholized | 341 mL | 82 kcal |
| Gin, rum, vodka | 40 % | 45 mL | 98 kcal |
| Table wine | 11.5 % | 125 mL | 90 kcal |
| Soft drink | regular | 355 mL | 107 kcal |
| Soft drink | diet | 355 mL | 2-4 kcal |
| Mineral water | 0 kcal |
Never drink on an empty stomach because, besides irritating the digestive tract, alcohol will be absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly. Drink with meals or have hors-d'oeuvres, raw vegetables and dips with cocktails. Alcohol causes dehydration so intersperse your drinks with water. To avoid a hangover, drink a fair amount of cold water before going to bed. Above all, drink in moderation!
- … beverages with 20% alcohol by volume like port and sherry are the most quickly absorbed by the body? Whereas, beverages with 40% (ex: gin, rum, vodka) irritate the stomach and are absorbed more slowly.
- … vodka is made with alcohol from grains, potatoes or beets’
- … a rum and coke is absorbed more quickly than straight rum? Bubbly or sweet liquids hasten the absorption of alcohol molecules.
… in 1998, Operation Red Nose saw 88,161 drivers in Quebec safely home between December 10 and 31?
Be wise this year and call if you've had too much to drink or if you feel drowsy. Happy holidays!