What kind of calorie is ethanol (alcohol)?!
Question:
What kind of calorie is ethanol (alcohol)?
Everything is usually categorized/attributed to having calories in one or more of: protein, carbohydrates, fat. So how many calories is in one ounce of alcohol (100% pure) and how does it break down into protein/carb/fat? Does it matter if it's origins is grain alcohol like vodka or comes from beer or wine or whatever?
Answers:
Alcohols are in a special calorie category of their own, and yield no nutritional benefits. They do not break down into usable proteins, carbohydrates and fats, the three necessary macronutrients.
Carbohydrates produce 4 calories per gram
Proteins produce 4 calories per gram
Fats produce 9 calories per gram
Alcohols produce 7 calories per gram
Converting into fluid ounces, an ounce of pure alcohol yields about 200 calories.
Your body doesn't care where the ethanol comes from, as it will yield the same number of calories per ounce no matter the source. Your body absorbs calories from all sources in a beverage though, not just the alcohol. So you get additional calories from carbohydrates in beer and wine.