Studies have linked increased alcohol use to living in colder climates, so it’s no surprise that Vermonters drink more than their peers in other states. Whether you drink regularly or only on occasion, it’s good to know how alcohol affects your body so you can make informed choices about what and how much you consume.
For instance, did you know that alcohol can
- increase your heart rate?
- cause a spike in blood pressure?
- raise your risk of getting several types of cancer?
- interact with medications to make them less effective?
- increase depression and anxiety?
Federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing not to drink, but if you decide to consume alcohol, drinking in moderation is suggested. That means two drinks or fewer in a day for men and one drink or fewer in a day for women.
Because health guidelines like these are based on the number of drinks consumed, it’s good to know what a standard drink looks like.
For beer, the standard serving is 12 ounces if the beer has 5% alcohol by volume, or ABV. This is about the average for a lager style beer, but many beers have much higher ABV so it’s important to check the label or ask your server.
Wine typically has an ABV of 12%, making 5 ounces the standard serving, and distilled spirits usually have an ABV of 40% (which is labeled as 80 proof) making 1.5 oz the standard.
To learn more, check out these websites:
Alcohol | Vermont Department of Health
Alcohol Use | Alcohol Use | CDC
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