Drinking baijiu is an inevitable thing, whether in social situations at work or gatherings during holidays. Drinking a few glasses is unavoidable. While drinking too much beer can lead to a beer belly, does drinking baijiu make you gain weight? Does drinking baijiu frequently cause weight gain? Let's find out.
How many calories are in baijiu?
Baijiu has a high calorie content, with 298 calories per 100 milliliters.
The main components of baijiu are alcohol and water, which account for 98% of its total weight. It contains very small amounts of sodium, copper, and zinc, and almost no vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
Does drinking baijiu make you gain weight?
Drinking baijiu can make you gain weight.
Firstly, baijiu itself has a high calorie content. After alcohol is absorbed by the body, it accelerates blood circulation. During the process of alcohol metabolism and circulation in the body, it produces a significant amount of heat, which is prioritized for energy consumption by the body. This excess heat from other food sources is converted into body fat. Secondly, alcohol metabolism produces acetic acid, which accelerates fat synthesis in the body and leads to weight gain.
How does drinking baijiu accelerate weight gain?
Unhealthy drinking habits can make weight gain more likely, such as the following:
1. Drinking excessively without moderation. Generally, the amount of alcohol consumed by adults in one sitting should not exceed 2 liang for low-alcohol drinks, 1 liang for medium-alcohol drinks, and 25 milliliters for high-alcohol drinks.
2. Consuming spicy and greasy appetizers while drinking. These fried foods have high calorie content and are not conducive to digestion, which accelerates fat accumulation in the body.
3. Drinking at night when the body's energy consumption is low. Drinking at this time puts a heavier burden on the digestive system. If accompanied by roadside barbecue, it will lead to more fat accumulation.
How to drink baijiu without easily gaining weight
Drinking baijiu does not necessarily make you gain weight. If you drink in moderation and follow the methods below, it will be less likely to cause weight gain.
1. Eat something before drinking, such as a moderate amount of milk or carbohydrates. Do not drink on an empty stomach. This not only creates a sense of fullness and reduces alcohol consumption, but also protects the stomach lining and minimizes alcohol-related damage to the stomach.
2. Eat light foods while drinking, avoiding greasy foods. Baijiu itself provides a significant amount of calories, so consuming less food during this time reduces calorie intake.
Who should not drink baijiu
People with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and coronary heart disease, as well as those with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastritis and gastrointestinal bleeding, and liver diseases such as hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease are not suitable for consuming baijiu as it can worsen their symptoms.
Pregnant women, women during menstruation, individuals in the developmental stage, those with yin deficiency, blood loss, and hot constitution are also not suitable for drinking baijiu.
Alcohol has a significant impact on the body. Even healthy adults should drink baijiu in moderation and be mindful of their alcohol consumption.
