Alcohol
Alcohol is a high source of energy, providing 7 kcal per gram of alcohol, therefore if you are watching your waistline it is a good idea to cut down the amount you drink or to alter the type of drink you choose.
Drinking alcohol restricts fat metabolism!
Drinking may also cause:
- Cirrhosis of liver
- Memory loss
- Psychological problems
Ideally you should have a minimum of 2 -3 alcohol free days per week
The Recommended Daily Allowance for Women is 2-3 units/day (14/week maximum) and for Men is 3-4 units/day (21/week maximum)
1 Unit
- 1 Pub measure(s) of Spirits
- 1 Small glass(es) of wine
- 1/2 Pint(s) of ordinary strength lager
- 1/4 Pint(s) of strong beer or lager
- 1 Glass of wine (contains 14 teaspoons of sugar!)
1 hour of exercise is required to burn of a single unit (1 unit = 1 hour exercise)
Alcohol’s diuretic effect draws water from all over the body, and makes you want to pee more. When you drink alcohol, your body gets rid of more liquid than it takes in. So you’ll quickly become dehydrated. The lack of water is what causes you to wake up with a throbbing head and a dry throat.
It will take as many hours as the number of units consumed to completely rid your body of all the alcohol.
Alcohol is the third most serious risk factor, after smoking and raised blood pressure, for European ill health and premature death.
It is the drinking pattern rather than the average number of drinks per week that is likely to be the most significant factor. Small amounts consumed several times a week are more beneficial than the same amount consumed over fewer occasions.
Avoid binge drinking (do not save up all units to have in one session)