Gin is not just a must-have in gin and tonic but you can mix this delicious alcoholic spirit in cocktails and mocktails. But if you are counting calories, then it is a good idea to find out how many calories are in gin.
While gin contains slightly fewer calories than wine or beer, a single measure of gin is still worth considering as part of your calorie count. In this article, we find out how many calories gin contains and how it compares to other drinks.
How Many Calories Are In Gin?
A single measure of gin (25ml) contains around 50 calories. If you add fruit juice or other alcoholic spirits into your gin mix, then you can expect the number of calories a lot higher.
Compared to champagne, wine, cider and beer, gin is a low-calorie spirit that works in almost any mixed drink.
In fact, gin is one of the lowest-calorie drinks you can choose for your cocktail. This makes it ideal for anyone who is looking to lose weight but still wants to enjoy a drink now and then.
Why Is Gin So Low In Calories?
Generally, alcohol is made from sugar and natural starch. This means that a single measure of 25ml always has a standard calorie count of around 50 calories.
As gin contains slightly less sugar than other alcoholic beverages, it comes in at fewer calories.
This being said, different gin brands also have different calorie amounts. This depends on how the gin is made and what additives the product contains.
Some gins have only 50 calories, while others can have over 150 calories per single measure. In addition, gin is often mixed with other drinks. However, even if you use a diet mixer, gin still is a calorific drink.
How Many Calories Are In Gin And Tonic?
Gin and tonic can have as little as a bit over 60 calories. This depends on the type of gin and tonic water you mix together.
Gin itself has only a few calories and it comes in at 50 calories per 25ml serving. If you use a diet mixer that has few calories, then you can expect your G&T to have over 60 calories.
This being said, if you use a high-calorie gin and mix it with standard tonic water, then you could potentially see over 100 calories per serving.
However, this is still significantly lower than many other alcoholic drinks. If you want to cut calories even further with your gin and tonic, then just add sparkling water instead of tonic.
How Does Gin And Tonic’s Calorie Count Compare To Other Alcoholic Drinks?
If you compare gin and tonic with other alcoholic beverages and cocktails, then you’ll notice that G&T is noticeably lower in calories than any other drink.
A good gin and tonic with original tonic water comes in at just under 100 calories. This is less than wine (with around 150 calories), cider (with 200 calories) and beer (over 200 calories).
While gin and tonic is lower in calories, you should still drink this tasty beverage in moderation because gin and tonic is high in alcohol. With an ABV of 37.5%, it’s a good idea to enjoy your gin and tonic only occasionally.
Is Gin Good For You To Lose Weight?
If you want to lose weight but you don’t want to miss out on your favorite drink, then gin is a great low-calorie beverage.
Gin and vodka have the fewest calories. However, vodka is very high in alcohol which can contribute to weight gain. This means that gin is a low-calorie option without excessive alcohol content.
Health Benefits Of Gin
With the rise of gin distilleries, there is new interest in gin as a healthy, alcoholic drink. While gin is made with juniper berries, there is no specific evidence that supports any claims that juniper’s antioxidants survive the gin distilling process.
However, there are a number of different health benefits that show with light consumption of gin.
A Decreased Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases
While heavy drinking can affect your heart health in a negative way, moderate amounts of gin can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure and other conditions.
Lower Blood Pressure
Gin may also lower your blood pressure which can improve your heart and blood vessel health.
Potential Health Risks Of Gin
Just like any other alcoholic spirit, you should drink gin only in moderate amounts.
There are also some people who should avoid gin entirely, including people under the legal drinking age, people suffering from depression, alcoholics and pregnant women
You also shouldn’t drink gin and any alcohol while driving or operating any type of machinery.
Gin May Interact With Medication
Gin and other spirits can have an effect on any other medication you are taking. Gin might make your medication less effective or dangerous.
This could lead to serious side effects, such as bleeding, drowsiness, diarrhea and nausea.
Depending on what type of medication you are taking and how much gin you consume, it is best to avoid any alcohol when you are using any medication.
Risk Of Breast Cancer
Studies found that even light consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer. As alcohol changes our hormone levels, this can lead to the potential formation of melanoma.
Sexual Health Conditions
Alcohol is often linked to sexual performance and difficulty with achieving an orgasm. If you are drunk, you are also more prone to forget any type of protection. Plus, you are more vulnerable to sexual exploitation.
Too Much Gin Can Lead To Heavy Drinking
Similar to other alcoholic beverages, gin can be addictive and it can lead to excessive drinking.
Final Thoughts
Gin is one of the best alcoholic drinks with the lowest calorie count. While it only has 50 calories on its own, you can expect more calories in your drink if you mix it with fruit juices or any other alcoholic drinks.
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