Alcohol comes from fermenting starches and sugars. When consumed, alcohol depresses your nervous system and acts as a mild anesthetic and tranquilizer. It is toxic in large quantities.

Alcohol has about 7 calories per gram. These are considered "empty" calories because alcohol contains no beneficial nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

A 12-ounce beer contains about 150 calories. Sugary, carbonated beverages and fruit juices contribute additional calories when mixed with alcohol in a cocktail.

Beers, wines, and liquors all contain different amounts of alcohol. In general, a 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, and a 1.5-ounce shot of liquor have about the same amount of alcohol and the same number of calories.

Beer is 3-8% alcohol. "Light" or lower-calorie beers are closer to 3% alcohol. "Hard" liquors contain about 40% alcohol and tend to be higher in calories.

White wines average 12% alcohol, and red wines average 14% alcohol.

"Proof" means the alcohol content of distilled liquors. It is the percentage of alcohol multiplied by two. For example:

• 50% alcohol = 100-proof
• 100% alcohol = 200-proof

Alcohol is an addictive substance. It is a leading cause of traffic accidents in the United States because it slows reaction time and impairs judgment.

The liver detoxifies (or metabolizes) alcohol.

Moderate drinking is defined as 1 - 2 glasses of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage daily. Moderate alcohol consumption, especially when combined with a Mediterranean-style diet, has been shown to improve cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) health.

Continued, excessive use of alcohol, however, can damage the liver. It can cause alcoholic hepatitis and a fatty liver. A fatty liver can progress to cirrhosis of the liver, a potentially fatal condition.

Alcohol increases the risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, throat, larynx, mouth, and breast.

The presence of alcohol impairs the absorption of essential nutrients because it can damage the lining of the small intestine and the stomach where most nutrients are digested and absorbed. Alcohol also requires vitamins in its metabolism and interferes with the absorption and storage of specific vitamins.

Alcohol can impair sexual function, even though it may increase your interest in sexual activity.

Alcohol intake during pregnancy has been identified as the cause of fetal alcohol syndrome.