“Every drink of liquor you take kills a thousand brain cells. Now that doesn’t much matter ‘cos we got billions more. And first the sadness cells die so you smile real big. And then the quiet cells go so you just say everything real loud for no reason at all. That’ok, that’s ok because the stupid cells go next, so everything you say is real smart. And finally, come the memory cells. These are tough sons of bitches to kill.”

- Matt Damon in The Legend of Bagger Vance

No I am not an expert on this subject….nor am I a regular drinker….Heck I dont even like the taste of liquor…..But I do know its something which cannot be avoided.
An alcoholic beverage seems to be a constant companion whenever some kind of gathering is arranged since it puts a person at ease & even the most introvert person begins talking when the drinks flow.
Since I am somewhat of an extrovert, I don’t need alcohol to open up but the same cant be said of most others.
Its popular for a reason….& its also criticised for a reason….we are here to discuss everything about Alcohol.
I dont believe that ignorance is bliss….which is why I am making this blog entry….Cheers !

Description :

Alcohol is one of the oldest recreational drugs.
It is also known as Ethanol or Ethyl Alcohol (C2H5OH) in chemistry.
It is a psychoactive drug ie it acts primarily upon the central nervous system where it alters brain function, resulting in changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behavior.

Effects
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A global study found that 3.6% of all cancer cases worldwide are caused by alcohol drinking, resulting in 3.5% of all global cancer deaths.

Types of Alcoholic Beverages :

Alcoholic beverages are divided into 3 general classes:

  • Beer :
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    Alcohol % : 3.2 – 8.0 %
    Constituents : Water; a starch source or mixture(cereal grains—most commonly malted barley, although wheat, maize (corn), and rice) able to be fermented (converted into alcohol); a brewer’s yeast to produce the fermentation; and a flavouring such as hops.
    Types : The globally popular pale lagers, and the regionally distinct ales.
    Description :
    • Beer is the world’s oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic beverage and the third most popular drink overall after water and tea.
    • The process of making beer is known as brewing.
    • Sales of beer are four times that of wine, the second most popular alcoholic beverage.
  • Wine :
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    Alcohol % : 10-20%.
    Constituents : Fermenting crushed grapes(or other fruits or other starches like rice[sake wine] & barley) using various types of yeast.
    Description :
    • The resultant wines are normally named after the fruit from which they are produced (for example, apple wine or elderberry wine).
    • Wine has a rich history dating back to around 6000 BC and is thought to have originated in areas now within the borders of Georgia and Iran.
    • Red, white, and sparkling wines are the most popular, and are known as light wines because they are only 10–14% alcohol-content by volume.
  • Spirits :
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    Alcohol % : 40-55%.
    Constituents : Distilled fermented grain, fruit, or vegetables with added sugar and added flavorings.
    Types : Brandy, fruit brandy (aka eau-de-vie / Schnaps), gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whisky.
    Description :
    • Beer and wine are limited to a maximum alcohol content of about 15% ABV, as most yeasts cannot reproduce when the concentration of alcohol is above this level; consequently, fermentation ceases at that point.
    • Types of Serving :
      • Neat or straight — The spirit is served at room temperature without any additional ingredient.
      • Straight up — This term refers to an alcoholic drink that is shaken or stirred with ice, strained, and served in a stemmed glass.
      • On the rocks — The spirit is served over ice.
      • With water.
      • With a simple mixer such as club soda, tonic water, juice, or cola.
      • As an ingredient of a cocktail.
      • With water poured over sugar (as with absinthe)
    Alcohol Consumption Stats :

    As one can see below, alcohol consumption is higher in cold countries.
    In cold climates, strong alcoholic beverages such as vodka are popularly seen as a way to “warm up” the body, possibly because alcohol is a quickly absorbed source of food energy and because it dilates peripheral blood vessels (peripherovascular dilation). This is a misconception because the perception of warmth is actually caused by the transfer of heat from the body’s core to its extremities, where it is quickly lost to the environment.

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    Final Points :
    • Excessive consumption of alcohol leads to a toxication-induced delayed poisoning called hangover.
    • The hangover starts after the euphoric effects of alcohol itself have subsided, typically in the night and morning after alcoholic drinks were consumed
    • Studies have found that alcohol absorption is reduced when food is consumed prior to alcohol consumption, and the rate which alcohol is eliminated from the blood is increased.
    • Dont drink too much…you are bound to embarass yourself +others!…I was witness to some drunk people who started singing the national anthem in broad daylight on our country’s Republic day….If you have to drink, drink in moderation !

     

    Ref :

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcoholic_beverage
    http://www.iloveindia.com/nutrition/alcoholic-beverage-facts/types-of-alcoholic-beverages.html
    http://www.upei.ca/~stuserv/alcohol/alcoholcontent1.htm
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