Alcohol and Calories: What You Need to Know
What compound provides energy/calories, but is not a nutrient?
Final answer: Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, provides about 7 calories per gram, but is not a nutrient. Calories are measured using the Atwater system, which calculates the average caloric content of food components.
Why is alcohol considered a compound that provides energy/calories but is not a nutrient?
Final answer: Alcohol is a compound that provides energy/calories, specifically ethanol found in alcoholic beverages, provides about 7 calories per gram. It is not considered a nutrient because it does not provide the body with beneficial nutrients and can be harmful when consumed in excess.
Answer:
Ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, provides about 7 calories per gram, but is not a nutrient. This means that while alcohol does provide energy, it does not offer any essential nutrients to the body. Calories from alcohol are calculated using the Atwater system, which determines the average caloric content of food components.
Alcohol, specifically ethanol, is a compound that provides energy in the form of calories but is not classified as a nutrient. While macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide calories as well, they also contain essential nutrients that are beneficial for the body. In contrast, alcohol does not offer these essential nutrients and can have negative effects on health when consumed excessively.
Calories from alcohol are measured using the Atwater system, which is a method of calculating the caloric content of food components. It is important to note that while alcohol provides energy, it does not provide the body with any essential nutrients that are needed for overall health. This is why alcohol is not considered a nutrient, despite providing calories.