Shortly before the decisive game, the tension rises – and with it often the consumption of alcohol. Whether in convivial company in front of the TV or on the way to the soccer stadium, alcohol is often consumed to get in the mood for a special event. On average, around 116 liters of beer, 20 liters of wine and 5.8 liters of spirits are consumed per capita in Germany. Yet alcohol is not necessarily a mood enhancer! This is especially true for children and young people. They react very sensitively to even small amounts of alcohol. Certain alcoholic beverages such as schnapps or even alcopops may not be consumed by children and adolescents, other beverages such as beer and wine only from 16 years.
Danger for health and the “slim” line
Abusive alcohol consumption – even among adults – has consequences that not only disrupt the sporting character of major events, but also endanger the health of the individual. Alcohol has a short-term pep talk effect, but in the long run it makes you listless and tired. Frequent, extensive alcohol consumption can lead to addiction, physical and mental damage, and an increased risk of cancer and impotence.
Even the much-cited “beer belly” is no accident – 1 l of “liquid bread” contains about 400 kilocalories, just as much energy as a bar of chocolate. The German Society for Nutrition (DGE) e. V. recommends restraint in dealing with alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are stimulants that healthy adults can consume occasionally in moderation. Women should not consume more than 10 grams and men no more than 20 grams of alcohol per day. For example, 20 grams of alcohol are contained in half a liter of beer. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not drink alcohol at all to avoid endangering the health of their child.
Legal background
The consumption of alcoholic beverages and their sale to children or adolescents is regulated by Section 9 of the Youth Protection Act. Child in the sense of this law is, who is not yet 14 years old. Youth is who is between 14 and 17 years old. Absolutely forbidden for those under 18 are brandy, beverages containing brandy or foodstuffs that contain brandy in quantities that are not merely negligible. This includes, for example, liqueurs, brandy, rum, whiskey, as well as ready-made mixed drinks such as vodka-lemon and the so-called alcopops.
It also includes ice cream sundaes, beverages such as grog, and also corresponding confectionery or sugar confectionery containing spirits to which spirits are added. Beer, wine, sparkling wine, and mixed beer and wine drinks are taboo for children and young people under 16. Unless a youth 14 years of age or older is accompanied by a parent or guardian, in which case he or she may consume the latter beverages.
Effects of alcohol
Adults who use alcoholic beverages responsibly are not only setting an example for children, but they are also protecting their bodies from the negative effects of alcohol. If alcohol is drunk regularly and abundantly, there is a high risk of addiction in the long term, with serious damage to the health of organs, especially the liver, and nerves. The risk of mental disorders and cancer increases. Even a small dose of alcohol reduces muscle performance. Alcohol lowers testosterone levels and thus impairs prostate function and reproductive capacity in men. The cause of the fattening effect of alcohol can be an appetite-increasing effect of alcohol. Apart from this, alcohol provides ample “empty calories” that may contribute to the development of obesity.
Alcohol calorie trap
At 7 kilocalories per g, the energy content of alcohol is almost as high as that of fat at 9 kilocalories. The same amount of sugar or protein provides only 4 kilocalories. And how much alcohol is in drinks? A glass of beer (0.2 liters) provides 8 grams and a quart of wine (0.25 liters) 20 grams of alcohol, a glass of sparkling wine (0.1 liters) contains 9 grams and a shot glass of spirits (0.02 liters) already contains more than 5 grams of alcohol.
