Vodka Nutrition Facts - It's Not Just Shots And Giggles
Just because you're on a diet doesn't mean you can't have some fun! Vodka is a low-calorie alcoholic beverage with no carbohydrates, making it a popular option among dieters, particularly those following a low-carb diet.
Here in this article, we will break down the advantages and disadvantages of drinking vodka and why you should drink moderately.
Vodka Nutrition Facts
The only ingredients in vodka are water and ethanol. Therefore, vodka has almost little nutritional value. Vodka has no sugar, carbohydrates, fiber, cholesterol, fat, salt, vitamins, or minerals.
The calories come entirely from the liquor. This is why many people consider vodka and other alcoholic beverages to be "empty" calories.
Calorie Count in a Shot of Vodka
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) mentioned that a 1.5-ounce amount of ordinary, 80-proof (40 percent) vodka has 96 calories, and a 1-ounce portion has 64 calories.
As the amount of alcohol in vodka grows, so does the number of calories, and the greater the impact on your blood alcohol level.
The proof refers to the amount of alcohol in this kind of liquor. By halving the proof value of the liquor, one may estimate the concentration of alcohol. An 80-proof vodka, for example, has around 40% alcohol.
The following are the amount of calories in a 1.5-ounce shot of vodka:
- 96 calories in 80 proof vodka
- 110 calories in 90 proof vodka
- 116 calories in 94 proof vodka
- 124 calories in 100 proof vodka
The primary source of calories in vodka is the alcohol it contains. Per 1 g of pure alcohol, there is around 7 cal. Carbohydrates and protein both have 4 cal per gram, whereas fat has 9 calories per gram.
Alcohol is approximately twice as fattening as carbs or protein and just slightly less fattening than fat.
Is Vodka Carbohydrate-Free?
Distilled spirits like rum, vodka, gin, and whiskey, are carb-free since they mainly contain alcohol. If you're monitoring your carbs, vodka is the way to go.
This may seem strange given that vodka is manufactured from carbohydrates such as wheat and potatoes.
Interestingly, during the fermentation and distillation operations, the carbohydrates are eliminated. Ethanol is produced from the majority of the sugars and carbohydrates in the original foods.
Is There a Difference in Calories Between Flavored Vodka and Plain Vodka?
Flavor-infused vodkas can enhance the drinking experience by removing the need for high-calorie mixers. Nowadays, vodka comes in a variety of flavors, both natural and artificial.
The greatest thing is that, aside from pure vodka, most of the flavored varieties have no additional calories!
Keep in mind that flavor-infused vodka is not to be confused with vodka cocktails produced with flavored sweet syrups added after the fermentation and distillation process. These items often have a lot more calories than flavored vodka.
Always pay close attention to the labeling. Try browsing the manufacturer's website if you can't locate nutrition information on the product label.
Vodka Compared to Other Alcohol Types
If you want to learn the different amounts of calories in various types of alcohol, check out this table:
|
Type of Alcohol |
Calorie Count |
|
Beer (12-ounces) |
153 |
|
Light beer (12-ounces) |
103 |
|
Sweet wine (3.5-ounces) |
165 |
|
White wine (5-ounces) |
121 |
|
Red wine (5-ounces) |
125 |
|
Port (2-ounces) |
90 |
|
Champagne (4-ounces) |
84 |
|
Sherry (2-ounces) |
75 |
|
Dry vermouth (3-ounces) |
105 |
Health Benefits of Vodka
Besides bringing enjoyment, drinking vodka has other benefits, which are:
Helps on Losing Weight and Sticking to Carb-free Diet
If you're thinking of dieting but can't bear the thought of giving up booze, vodka is the drink for you. Other alcoholic beverages, such as inexpensive beer, might cause a "beer belly" because of the sugar and calorie content. The case with vodka, on the other hand, is rather different.
Spirits are entirely carb-free. Vodka has no carbs, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. So, you know, it's not horrible. If you're on a low-carb diet, vodka might be a good method to get your kicks without having to eat as many snacks and meals throughout the day.
There are numerous different types of vodka, including those produced from potatoes, grains, and grapes. The number of calories in vodka varies depending on the kind, alcohol content, and whether it's proof or flavored.
Even yet, vodka cocktails only have about 60 calories, which is a lot less than other alcoholic beverages.
Good for the Heart
Vodka can help avoid clots, strokes, and other heart disorders by increasing blood flow and circulation in the body. Vodka can raise good cholesterol levels (HDL), which helps keep bad cholesterol (LDL) from blocking arteries.
Instead, it directs LDL to the liver, where it is processed and eliminated from the body. The research discovered that both wine and vodka lowered protein oxidation in the heart in pigs, but only wine relaxed blood vessels.
Protein oxidation can cause blood vessels to stiffen. So, if vodka helps prevent this potentially dangerous chemical reaction, we're all for it. Of course, all in moderation!
Relieves Stress
There is a common assumption that wine is the best alcoholic beverage for destressing. Despite popular belief, science does not agree with it.
The effects of both vodka and red wine on stress were investigated in a study, with the results indicating that vodka had an evident influence on stress reduction, while red wine had no effect.
While this is okay when you’re at a party, it’s likely to develop a habit if you use vodka to relieve stress daily. Instead, try stress management practices like mindfulness, exercise, and meditation.
Maintains Good Oral Hygiene
Vodka is a potent germ killer, making it an ideal choice if you have persistent foul breath or a toothache. Take a couple of tiny sips and dilute them with water.
According to a 2012 study, those who consumed alcohol 2 to 7 times per week had a decreased likelihood of having infected teeth extracted. The researchers attribute this to vodka's antibacterial properties.
Gargle the vodka around in your mouth. You will experience a tingling sensation due to the sore gums and damaged teeth, but it will freshen your breath. You may also use a little vodka to disinfect your toothbrush, resulting in a perfectly clean brush that is excellent for oral hygiene.
Improves Sleep
One of the numerous advantages of vodka is that it contains a relaxant that helps you fall asleep. Due to this, it can promote good quality sleep and enhance sleep latency when consumed in small quantities.
It relaxes your mind and body, which is vital if you are so stressed out to rest. Therefore, many people who suffer from insomnia drink alcohol before going to bed.
Reduces the Chance of Having Diabetes
A shot of vodka, unlike beer or wine, can actually lower blood sugar levels. So, for many diabetics, this is a safe drink, but doing it with excessive mixers shouldn’t be overdone. You may take it neatly straight up. For your kidney’s health, it is recommended to consume it on the rocks.
Reduces Inflammation
In some countries, the weather may be harsh, and elderly individuals are more likely to develop arthritis.
Vodka is well-known for providing comfort to individuals suffering from joint pain and inflammation. Joints that are becoming brittle and painful caused by extreme inflammation can be alleviated with vodka.
The Arthritis Foundation claims that drinking in moderation frequently can lower your chances of acquiring rheumatoid arthritis. However, they do not explicitly advocate vodka to treat any inflammatory illness that has already developed.
May Serve as Disinfectant
Vodka is a natural antibacterial and disinfectant. When used as a disinfectant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using a solution containing 60 to 80 percent alcohol. To accomplish the job, you'll need vodka with proof of 120 to 160.
A skincare routine includes various items, and vodka, with its antibacterial and detoxifying characteristics, might easily be included. Its applications range from pore unclogging and tightening to acne treatment.
Vodka Nutrition FAQ
1. What type of vodka is keto-friendly?
The different types of vodka can be drunk while on a keto diet, but like other liquors, you should drink vodka moderately. You can learn more about it by reading this article.
2. Is vodka bad for weight loss?
Vodka has no sugar and has empty calories. But it can reduce your inhibition to eating fatty foods, so you should only drink moderately.
Conclusion
Drinking vodka does not have to be a diet killer. Avoid sugary mixers and late-night food, and drink only in moderation to ensure your health and well-being.
Do you have any questions about this article? Let us know!
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