The strength of whiskey, depending on the variety, ranges from 40 to 70 degrees, namely, ethanol is ultimately responsible for the calorie content of the drink. The energy value of alcohol is extremely high – 1 ml of pure alcohol contains 7 kcal. Thus, one serving of strong drink with a volume of 100 ml will be equivalent to 100 g of beef steak.
The calories in alcohol are often referred to as empty calories. The nutritional value of whiskey is zero – there are no proteins and fats in it. After distillation, a small amount of carbohydrates remains in the drink – 0,4 g per 100 ml, but this is negligible. As a result, with each serving of alcohol, pure energy enters the body, which is consumed in the first place.
Ethanol enters the blood already in the oral cavity, and most of it is quickly absorbed through the walls of the stomach and small intestine. The body perceives alcohol as a poison, so the liver immediately begins to produce enzymes to break it down. This stops the absorption of other nutrients, primarily fats.
By itself, whiskey does not give weight gain, but actively contributes to this. Despite the high calorie content, alcohol is not able to satisfy hunger. Ethanol slows down the brain and acts on the hypothalamus, where the center responsible for saturation is located. Appetite increases dramatically, and there is a risk of eating more than usual, which is not the best way for the waist.
The influence of alcoholic beverages on excess weight has been studied by scientists more than once. The results of an eight-year experiment of the American Association for the Study of Obesity showed that moderate alcohol consumption, on average, from 5 to 29,9 g per day, does not affect body weight. At the same time, the excess of this amount showed in the control group participants an increase in weight from 2,5 to 5 kg over the entire study period.
How many calories in whiskey
The calorie content of whiskey increases in direct proportion to its strength, which is set by the manufacturer at the distillation stage. At the same time, companies pursue different goals. The higher alcohol content gives the drink a rich aroma, and also makes it possible to dilute it with cold water without fear of clouding. Sometimes strong whiskey is released for marketing purposes, trying to draw attention to the product.
Calorie content of 100 ml of whiskey with different strengths:
- 40% – 231 kcal;
- 43% – 235 kcal;
- 45% – 263 kcal;
- 47% – 275 kcal;
- 50% – 295 kcal.
Juices and lemonades improve the taste of the drink, but at the same time dramatically increase its energy value. The calorie content of whiskey and cola in a 200 ml serving, where the ingredients are mixed in equal parts, ranges from 300 to 340 kcal. In addition, this cocktail contains 9 g of sugar, which contributes to weight gain. Nutritionists advise those who are trying to lose weight to replace cola with ice, mineral water or lemon juice.
whiskey and diet
Diets high in protein and alcohol have found their followers since the 60s of the last century. It was then that a book was published by Robert Cameron, who considered the best lunch a good portion of steak and a glass of whiskey and soda.
In 2011, the famous singer Lady Gaga admitted that she was on a “drunk diet” and did not deny herself a glass of whiskey while working. The diet of the star also included fish, vegetables, herbs and a minimum of carbohydrates.
The singer was inspired by her boyfriend Luke Carl’s book The Drunk Diet, where the author laid out Cameron’s ideas in a new way. In the pages of his work, the former manager of a rock bar told how he managed to lose 40 pounds with the help of alcohol, a special diet and exercise. The book proved to be so popular that it is scheduled to be reprinted in 2020.
Glycemic index of whiskey
Whiskey contains virtually no sugar, which is why it is allowed with Dr. Atkins’ low-carb diet. The glycemic index of the drink is zero, but diabetics should use it with caution. Strong alcohol in a dose of more than 100 ml can cause a sharp drop in blood glucose, as an overloaded liver stops producing insulin.
Exceeding a safe dose of alcohol in diabetes is dangerous because alcoholic hypoglycemia is often delayed and occurs at night. The patient attributes the deterioration of health to the action of alcoholic beverages and does not have time to take the necessary medications.
With good compensation for diabetes, doctors do not prohibit the use of a small amount of whiskey, but at the same time there should be a snack containing carbohydrates on the table – potatoes, bread or nuts.
Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.
je vous remercie de ces conseils. Je ne savais rien sur le whisky et le diabète. Je suis diabetique.