About alcohol

Is it true that beer is better for you than wine? Time to bust some alcohol myths.

There are lots of false ideas out there about alcohol, but can you spot fact from fiction? Time to find out.

Is it true that beer is better for you than wine? Time to bust some alcohol myths.
Is it true that beer is better for you than wine? Time to bust some alcohol myths.

Some alcohol beverages like spirits are ‘hard’ and others like beer are ‘soft’.

False. Spirits contain more alcohol by volume than most wines, which contain more than most beers. But, despite some popular notions, there’s no such thing as ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ alcohol, or, as it’s called in some places, ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ drinks. Beer, wine, distilled spirits and mixed drinks all contain the same type of alcohol called ethanol, which is responsible for the effects you feel regardless of what you’re drinking.

All countries use the same standard ‘unit’ to ensure that servings of beer, wine and spirits are the same.

False. There is no single standard unit that is in effect around the world. Although the definition in Belgium is ten grams of ethanol (1), different countries use different definitions, and some units contain up to 14 grams of ethanol (2). However, within a single country, a “standard” serving of beer, wine or spirits is defined in exactly the same way. In practice, drinks are often not served in standard units, but the concept of standard units is important.

The effect alcohol has on you depends on whether you’re drinking beer, wine or spirits.

False. Beer, wine and spirits all contain the same type of alcohol, ethanol, which has the same effect on your body regardless of what you’re drinking. The important thing is how much ethanol you’re drinking and how quickly. The higher alcohol by volume the drink contains, the smaller the serving (think of spirits compared to beer). However, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t always translate into how drinks are actually served – for example, if you’re drinking at home in glasses that aren’t the standard size.

Units can help you make sure that your drinking stays within recommended guidelines and doesn’t harm you.

True. Belgium's drinking guidelines provide advice on levels and patterns of alcohol consumption based on alcohol units (3). The VAD organization advises women and men to regularly consume no more than 10 units per week in order to minimize the health risks associated with alcohol. Understanding the concept of unit can help you assess your own alcohol consumption against the recommendations for a balanced lifestyle. Drinking more than the recommended amount of alcohol could increase health-related risks.

How much do you really know about alcohol?

Find out with our five-minute quiz on drinking and its effects.

Find out with our five-minute quiz on drinking and its effects.

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