Gin Nutrition Facts: Is It Safe And Healthy To Drink?
Do you like to drink gin? And are you wondering if it is harmful to your body? We can answer those questions for you!
Gin may have some unexpected health benefits when consumed in moderation. Gin has been used as herbal medicine since the Middle Ages.
The juniper berries needed to make gin are tiny, dark purple superfoods. Some research shows that eating a diet rich in these berries may reduce the risk of infection, lower blood pressure, improve blood circulation, and fight kidney and liver disease.
What other advantages could there be for one's health? Learn about gin's nutritional value and potential health benefits in the article below.
Gin Nutrition Facts
U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition facts for one shot (42 grams or 1.5 ounces) of 80-proof gin is as follows: (40 percent alcohol by volume).
|
Calories |
97 |
|
Fat |
0g |
|
Sodium |
0.42 mg |
|
Carbohydrates |
0g |
|
Fiber |
0g |
|
Sugars |
0g |
|
Protein |
0g |
|
Alcohol |
1g |
-
Carbohydrates
About 1.5 ounces, or one-shot, is the serving size for gin (also called a jigger). One serving has zero grams of carbs.
However, some flavored gins contain additional ingredients that alter the nutritional information. One or two grams of carbohydrates are added to some brands of strawberry gin because of the flavorings.
Many gin-based drinks include sweet or starchy ingredients, which further complicates matters. A 100 ml serving of tonic water, for example, has 8.5 grams of carbohydrates (all sugar) in it.
Gin has no GI (glycemic index). The GI measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar and assigns a score accordingly. Gin's GI rating isn't affected by the fact that it contains no carbohydrates.
-
Fats and Protein
Gin does not contain any fats and is devoid of any kind of protein.
-
Calories
There are 14 grams of alcohol in a shot of 80 proof gin, which has an alcohol content of 40%. Alcohol has seven calories per gram. Thus, gin's only source of energy is alcohol.
-
Vitamins and Minerals
Although gin contains trace minerals (phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc), consuming it will not provide you with significant amounts of micronutrients.
What are Gin’s Health Advantages?
Drinking gin is said to have some health benefits. Gin is made with juniper berries, which have several health benefits. If you drink gin, you may reap some of these benefits.
Antioxidants are found in juniper berries, according to research.
It has been found that they can help with digestive health, cancer prevention and treatment, and even rheumatoid arthritis.
While some articles on the internet tout the health benefits of gin drinking because of the antioxidants found in juniper berries, the source of gin, there is no evidence to support this claim. A study comparing gin to red wine showed that the spirit lacked any special antioxidant properties.
Light to moderate alcohol drinking, such as one drink for women and two for men, has been linked to several health benefits. These are a few examples:
Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Research shows that regular light to moderate alcohol consumption (one drink for women and one or two drinks for males) lowers mortality as well as conditions including coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke. These studies are commonly acknowledged.
One study found that both drinking gin and red wine helped lower inflammatory indicators of atherosclerosis. According to the researchers, although the results were not statistically significant, higher alcohol consumption is linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reduced Levels of Tension
Alcohol is commonly used to relieve stress since it is fast and convenient. Research has proven this benefit to be true. Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a reduction in stress since at least the 1980s. According to a newer study, moderate drinking of alcohol may hasten your recovery after a stressful event.
While stress and alcohol are linked, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) cautions that the relationship is complicated. However, consuming too much alcohol to cope with stress can negatively affect one's physical and emotional well-being.
Diabetic Care and Prevention
According to a study conducted in 2014, light to moderate drinking was linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, this research also discovered a nuanced connection between alcohol use and blood glucose levels. Alcohol intake in people with type 2 diabetes has not been definitively linked to benefits or dangers.
Healthy Bones
A study looked at how much alcohol a person drinks and how well they grow. Bone mineral density has been linked to moderate alcohol consumption.
The risk of osteoporosis was marginally higher among non-drinkers and heavy drinkers compared to light drinkers.
However, a comprehensive assessment of the evidence published in 2003 found that persistent, excessive alcohol intake harms bone health and increases the risk of osteoporosis. This has been validated in more recent research.
Caveats on Drinking Gin
Even if there are certain health benefits to drinking alcohol, there are also risks associated with excessive consumption. Gin's side effects should be taken into account if you decide to drink it.
Based on USDA's 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is encouraged.
Most healthy eating plans allow for a small amount of alcohol consumption as part of the daily calorie allowance. As well as rules on how much alcohol to consume, the USDA also has a website.
Even if non-pregnant adults of legal drinking age drink alcohol, the USDA recommends that they do so moderately (one drink or fewer days for women, two daily for males).
The following is an example of a standard beverage:
|
Beer |
12 oz |
|
Wine |
5 oz |
|
Distilled Liquor |
1.5 oz |
The NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) endorses the USDA's recommendations for moderate drinking. 16 Government health authorities advise against starting to drink if you haven't done so previously.
Alcoholic beverages are excluded from the USDA's healthy dietary eating patterns, so if you choose to drink, be sure to account for the calories in your beverage to ensure that the required daily calorie intake is not surpassed.
Drinking more than the NIAAA recommends puts you at greater risk for negative health effects or hazardous outcomes.
A Problem with Alcoholism
Overindulging in alcohol can lead to a disordered use of alcohol (AUD). AUD is more likely to develop if you engage in binge drinking (four drinks or more in around two hours for men and women) or heavy alcohol consumption.
There are several warning signs of AUD, including drinking more than you meant, being unable to cut back, or continuing to drink despite problems in your personal life or with family or friends. There are three levels of severity for this condition: mild, moderate, and severe.
Increased Stress and Loneliness
When you're lonely or stressed, you're more likely to suffer from alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AUD). The urge to binge drink may be exacerbated if you're feeling depressed or lonely. Stress and loneliness can both be exacerbated by drinking excessively.
The impacts of significant stressors might persist for a long time.
An example of this is the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. It had a huge impact on the drinking habits of people. They were more likely to engage in risky behavior and even binge drink five or six years later as well!
Because of increased levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone released from frequent drinking over time, people may experience increased anxiety and a decreased ability to cope with stress.
People who have been drinking heavily for a long time may be more apprehensive when faced with stressful situations.
Lowered Immune System Power
Excessive alcohol use has been linked to immune-related health problems like pneumonia. Alcohol alters immunological pathways, reducing the body's ability to fight off infection and disease. Drinking alcohol can harm organs and slow the healing process after an injury.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
In the United States, excessive alcohol consumption ranks third in preventable deaths. Heavy drinking is a primary cause of diseases such as reversible hypertension (high blood pressure), nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and stroke, accounting for a third of all such cases.
Obesity and Overweight
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is linked to weight increase that's unhealthful and obesity. It has been shown time and time again that binge drinking leads to weight increase.
In the short term, moderate alcohol consumption does not appear to cause weight gain. Still, alcohol consumption may be a risk factor for obesity for certain people.
Contraindications of Drinking Gin
Even in small doses, alcohol should be avoided by some people. If you are taking a drug that makes you tired, don't drink alcohol while taking it. For more specific advice, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
You should abstain from alcohol consumption if you are pregnant, as this may lead to FASD (fetal alcohol syndrome) in your unborn child. A youngster exposed to this level of radiation may develop physical, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties throughout their lives.
Drinking alcohol is never safe while driving or when working with heavy equipment. It’s best to avoid drinking if you’re behind the wheel.
Everyone should avoid drinking alcohol, including those in recovery or fighting addiction but especially allergy sufferers because some beverages contain ingredients that can trigger an allergic reaction when mixed with certain medicines they are taking for their disease.
A drinker must also check labels carefully before consuming any alcoholic drinks which might have hidden allergens!
Allergies
Under the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, alcohol allergy has been recorded in some cases. Rashes, edema, and tightness in the throat are all possible symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms after drinking gin that you haven't had before.
Juniper allergy is also a well-known reaction. Gin should not be consumed if you are allergic to juniper.
Does Gin have Flavored Variations?
Gin does come in flavored versions, but they are few and far between compared to other types of liquor.
Gins prepared with floral and tea extracts, for example, are available, as well as strawberry-flavored gins. Gins scented with blood orange, lavender, and lemon are just a few of the options.
Best Way to Store and Consume Gin
The best way to store gin is in the refrigerator because it is usually served cold. Gin can be kept in the freezer for a longer period of time. After opening, gin is best consumed within a year.
Gin Nutrition FAQ
1. Can diabetics drink gin?
Yes, diabetics can drink gin because it has no sugar in it. But it can have other negative side effects, so everyone should drink moderately.
2. Is gin bad for your liver?
Yes, if you drink too much. Light to moderate casual drinking may not be bad for your liver.
3. Is it ok to drink gin every day?
If you drink gin every day, it may cause you to gain weight, as well as other side effects.
Conclusion
Gin is lower in sugar and calorie than other distilled spirits. If you're already a heavy drinker, gin might be a better choice. However, exercise caution when using a mixer. Your drink's sugar content could skyrocket if you use one of these ingredients.
Do you have any questions about this article? Let us know!
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