What is Moderate Alcohol Consumption?

Published:  08/04/2018

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. This definition is referring to the amount consumed on any single day and is not intended as an average over several days. The Dietary Guidelines also state that it is not recommended that anyone begin drinking or drink more frequently on the basis of potential health benefits because moderate alcohol intake also is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, violence, drowning, and injuries from falls and motor vehicle crashes. Source: http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#moderateDrinking

In general one drink is defined as:

  • One 12 oz. beer or wine cooler or cider
  • One shot of 80 Proof liquor or
  • One 4-5 oz glass of wine
  • 8-9 oz. of malt liquor
  • 2-3 oz. of liqueur, cordial or apertif
  • 1.5 oz. of spirits (brandy, whiskey, gin, vodka, etc.)
  • 3-4 oz. of sherry or port

The above examples are approximate because many brands and types of alcoholic beverages vary in actual alcohol content. Check the label for percentage of alcohol content.


Categories:   Food  Health Conditions 

Tags:   #healthyhabits

Active Nutrition is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon. If you click on one of my recommended item links and then place an order through Amazon, I receive a small commission on that sale, at no extra expense to you of course. This is a way to support me and my work every time you shop at no cost to you.

Connect with Maria