Alcohol and Nutrition: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks? Term Paper by scribbler

Alcohol and Nutrition: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?
A look at the health benefits and risks of consuming alcohol.
# 152824 | 1,754 words | 6 sources | MLA | 2013 | US
Published on Apr 30, 2013 in Medical and Health (Nutrition and Exercise) , Nutrition (General)


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Description:

The paper looks at how alcohol is made and discusses the impact of the consumption of alcohol on the body. The paper shows how alcohol provides benefits when taken in moderation but it is highly dangerous when abused. The paper describes the serious health complications arising from alcoholism and identifies several myths and misconceptions regarding alcohol intake. The paper concludes that no matter what the consensus is on the merits or flaws of alcohol intake, alcohol is still a toxic substance and logic dictates people should stay away from such a substance.

From the Paper:

"Alcohol and nutrition are closely linked. Over consumption of alcohol can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weight gain, and chronic diseases such as liver disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and coronary heart disease. (McKinley Health Center 2009) Despite the harmful effects of alcohol when not taken in moderation, the consumption of alcohol has been part of the diet and nutrition regimen of some people and societies. Of course, there are always two sides to the argument when it comes to alcoholic beverage intake because "some people feel that alcohol is another necessity in their diet, while others feel that any amount is toxic and needs to be avoided nightcaps (Kovacs 2010). But looking first at the side of the "alcohol as a dietary measure" it is first important to determine how alcohol is made and what generally comprises the substance. Alcohol, also known as ethanol, is made through a process called fermentation. During fermentation, yeast breaks sugar down into ethanol and carbon dioxide. (Kovacs 2010) Alcohol is comprised of carbohydrates, protein and fat, and "has about 7 calories per gram. These are considered 'empty' calories because alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. (A.D.A.M., Inc. 2007)" Some distillers add various ingredients such as fruit extract and other additives to add flavor or provide differences in alcoholic beverages. Others do so in order for them to advertise that their alcoholic beverage contains nutritional ingredients."

Sample of Sources Used:

  • A.D.A.M., Inc. Alcohol and Diet. The New York Times. 17 Oct. 2007. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/nutrition/alcohol-and-diet/overview.html>.
  • Blood Alcohol Info. Myths and Facts about Alcohol. 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://www.bloodalcohol.info/myths-and-facts-about-alcohol.php>.
  • Haas, Elson M. Nutritional Program for Alcohol Detoxification. Healthy.Net. 2009. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=1851>.
  • Harvard School of Public Health. Alcohol: Balancing Risks and Benefits. The Nutrition Source. 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/alcohol-full-story/index.html>.
  • Kovacs, Betty. Alcohol and Nutrition. MedicineNet.com. 2010. Web. 04 Oct. 2010. <http://www.medicinenet.com/alcohol_and_nutrition/article.htm>.

Cite this Term Paper:

APA Format

Alcohol and Nutrition: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks? (2013, April 30) Retrieved December 09, 2023, from https://www.academon.com/term-paper/alcohol-and-nutrition-do-the-benefits-outweigh-the-risks-152824/

MLA Format

"Alcohol and Nutrition: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?" 30 April 2013. Web. 09 December. 2023. <https://www.academon.com/term-paper/alcohol-and-nutrition-do-the-benefits-outweigh-the-risks-152824/>

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