Introduction
While moderate alcohol consumption may be allowed or considered in a diet plan, it should be noted that alcohol consumption is certainly not beneficial to health in any form or beverage. Scotch whiskey, or any type of brand of whiskey, is a typical alcoholic drink that poses health risks. Read the article to understand why Scotch whiskey is detrimental to health and the caution advised by NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism).
Why Does Whiskey Lack Nutritional Content?
Scotch whiskey is a distilled spirit made primarily from a mash of malted barley, often combined with various cereal grains. It is exclusively produced in Scotland and legally must be sold or imported from Scotland under that specific name. Whiskey produced in the United States, on the other hand, is referred to as bourbon. The nutritional information for Scotch whiskey, as provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for approximately one shot of 1.5 ounces, is as follows:
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Carbohydrates: 0 ounce.
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Fiber: 0 ounce.
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Sugars: 0 ounce.
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Protein: 0 ounce.
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Alcohol: 0.493 ounces.
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Iron: 0 ounce.
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Potassium: 0.000029 ounces (0.84 mg).
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Zinc: 0 ounces.
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Fat: 0 ounce.
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Sodium: 0.000014 ounces (0.42 mg).
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Total Calories: 97 kilocalories.
A single shot of Scotch comprises a whopping 97 kilocalories with absolutely no carbohydrates, sugars, or fiber. Other types of whiskey, regardless of the country of sale, are likely to provide similar nutritional content in terms of calories and carbs. Scotch is a drink primarily fermented with yeast and is further aged in oak for a minimum of around three years. Caramel coloring and water are some of the additives in this amber-colored smoky drink. Depending on the manufacturing process, it may have notes of caramel, spice, orange, or even vanilla flavors.
As Scotch does not contain any carbs at all, the estimated glycemic index of this drink is assumed by nutrition experts to be zero. There is also absolutely no fat or protein content in Scotch. Scotch provides up to 0.493 ounces of alcohol, with each gram of alcohol providing someone up to a high seven calories. So, all in all, the calories consumed from Scotch come only from alcohol. While trace minerals are enlisted in the above nutrition facts given by the USDA, the truth is that people are unlikely to gain any of them even in minor quantities when they consume this drink.
How Does Regular Alcohol Consumption Increase the Likelihood of Developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)?
While Scotch whiskey is prepared from barley, a gluten grain, the distillation process renders the beverage gluten-free. However, individuals with a history of celiac and non-celiac gluten sensitivity may still experience cross-reactivity or sensitivity to alcoholic beverages distilled from gluten-based grains.
According to the USDA, if alcohol is consumed, it should not exceed amounts in moderation. The average drink, up to one per day for women and around two per day for men (considered legal for all adults of legal drinking age), still comprises alcohol as the main calorie source. Moderate alcohol consumption is usually permitted for legal age groups above 18 years because the calorie limits fall within permissible dietary ranges.
One of the most prominent side effects of alcohol consumption is that individuals often drink more than necessary, creating a vicious cycle of dependence. Individuals who are stressed, socially isolated, or unable to cut back on drinking, such as those dealing with relationship issues, may be prone to developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), as per current nutrition research. This disorder, characterized by both alcohol dependence and an inability to cut back, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe subtypes. Binge drinking, exceeding four drinks for women and five drinks for men in less than two hours, indicates heavy alcohol use, predisposing individuals to a higher risk of AUD.
While some chemical analysis reports published in 2020 suggest that Scotch whiskey may have antioxidant properties, current scientific evidence is insufficient to prove any touted health benefits. It is more likely to lower immunity due to its alcohol content rather than provide effective amounts of trace minerals.
Does Whiskey Contribute to an Elevated Cardiovascular Risk?
Currently, published reports worldwide indicate that excessive alcohol consumption is, in fact, the third leading cause of all premature deaths in the United States. The use or consumption of heavy alcohol is touted to be one of the most common causes behind the disease state of ‘reversible hypertension’ in individuals, subsequently leading to cardiac disorders such as nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathies, atrial fibrillation, ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes.
What Caution Is Provided by NIAAA (National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)?
Because alcohol provides no nutritional value and contains around 7 calories per gram, even occasional or social drinking is recognized as one of the leading causes of unhealthy weight gain and obesity in modern-day lifestyles. Although the dosage matters, the consumption of alcohol can indirectly contribute to weight gain in predisposed individuals. It is essential to note that research suggesting mixed and moderate alcohol intake does not significantly contribute to short-term weight gain is a hypothesis that remains scientifically challenged.
According to current research, global statistics, and information from the NIAAA, alcohol intake in any form is a known risk factor for causing obesity in some individuals. Large-scale analyses and research reviews by the NIAAA indicate that excess, regular, or chronic or heavy alcohol consumption in women and younger adults is likely to compromise their bone health and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
What Are the Various Types of Alcohol and Their Availability?
There are various types of Scotch whiskey, depending on how it is obtained and the number of grains used in its preparation. For instance, single-malt Scotch whiskey is produced in single batches from malted barley. Blended malts comprise more than one Scotch variety and are prepared from different distilleries. Scotch whiskey is available year-round at liquor stores. Generally, whiskey is bottled and packaged after a minimum three-year aging process. Commercial Scotch that is available is usually stored upright in a cool, dark area away from sunlight, heat, or humidity. When unopened, Scotch usually retains its flavors for years.
What Are the Adverse Effects or Interactions Associated With Scotch Whiskey?
According to information provided by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, there are several reported medical cases of alcohol allergy with symptoms ranging commonly from skin rash, hives, swelling, difficulty in breathing, or even throat constriction. If someone experiences any unusual symptoms soon after consuming Scotch, immediately contact a professional healthcare provider or allergist for evaluation and personalized advice.
Furthermore, there are absolute contraindications for individuals who may be taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. In such cases, alcohol consumption, even in minor quantities, could cause sensitivity reactions, adverse impacts, or drowsiness commonly. If any or anyone they loved has ingested alcohol in any form, be it from Scotch, tequila, rum, or vodka, and one is on systemic medications, then immediately contact a healthcare provider for personalized advice to prevent possible adverse reactions. Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and lactation can be grouped further under a wider fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) that may harm a baby's neurological health.
Conclusion
It is a known scientific fact that alcohol tends to disrupt not only someone’s immune pathways, impairing the body’s cellular ability to fight against infections but also has a direct impact on tissue injury. It is directly implicated in organ damage, mainly affecting the liver with excess consumption. In addition to its impact on immune pathways, chronic alcohol use weakens the body's ability to fend off infections, increasing susceptibility to various illnesses. This, coupled with the direct tissue injury it causes, particularly in the liver with excess consumption, highlights the broader health risks associated with prolonged alcohol use. Moderation is crucial to mitigate these detrimental effects and safeguard overall well-being.
