10 Fascinating Facts About Alcohol
Did you know that alcohol is the oldest known psychoactive substance used by humans?
In Ancient Egypt, beer was used as currency and also consumed for its nutritional benefits.
The world’s oldest known recipe is actually a beer recipe, dating back to 1800 BC.
Vodka is traditionally made from potatoes, grains, or fruits, but it can be made from other materials such as cheese or even fog!
Alcohol doesn’t actually freeze, so you can store your favorite spirits in the freezer without worrying about them solidifying.
The term proof used to measure alcohol content originates from sailors testing their rum by igniting it. If it burned with a blue flame, it was proved to be at least 57% alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can actually lower your body temperature, which is why people might feel warmer when they consume it.
Alcohol is considered a depressant, meaning it slows down brain activity, but it initially acts as a stimulant, which is why people might feel more energized after a few drinks.
The world’s strongest beer, called Snake Venom, has an astonishing 67.5% alcohol content.
A shot of tequila typically contains fewer calories than a glass of wine or a bottle of beer.
A study found that people who consume a moderate amount of alcohol tend to have a higher IQ than non-drinkers.
Champagne was invented by a monk named Dom Pérignon in the 17th century. He was trying to make wine, but the fermentation process caused the wine to become effervescent.
10 Fascinating Facts About Alcohol part 2
In ancient Greece, the host would take the first sip of wine to demonstrate that it was not poisoned.
Alcohol is known to have antiseptic properties and can be used to disinfect wounds.
Rum was originally used by British sailors to preserve drinking water during long sea voyages.
The world’s oldest bottle of wine, dating back to around AD 325, was discovered in Germany in 1867.
Moderate drinking has been linked to a decreased risk of heart disease and certain types of stroke.
The phrase hair of the dog originated from a belief that rubbing the hair of a dog into a wound caused by a dog bite would prevent infection. This later evolved to mean drinking more alcohol to alleviate a hangover.
Gin and tonic was originally created as a way for British soldiers to consume quinine, a medication used to prevent malaria, while in India.
The word alcohol is derived from the Arabic term al-kuhl, which means body-eating spirit.
The blue agave plant, used to make tequila, takes around 8-12 years to mature before it can be harvested.
Alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, but it also has the potential to enhance creativity and inspiration.
Hemingway’s favorite drink was called a Death in the Afternoon, made of absinthe and Champagne.
The world’s largest wine cellar is located in Moldova and is over 120 miles long.
Mozart composed a song named Leck mich im Arsch (literally Lick me in the arse), which was an alcohol-inspired canon.
The oldest known winery was discovered in Armenia and dates back to around 4000 BC.
Alcohol is linked to more than 200 diseases and injuries, including liver disease, pancreatitis, and various types of cancer.
The active ingredient in alcohol, ethanol, can be used as an alternative fuel source for cars.
The word hangover originated in the 19th century and referred to unfinished business from the previous night’s drinking.
In Japan, there are vending machines that sell cans of sake instead of soft drinks.
Absinthe, known as the green fairy, is a highly alcoholic drink that was banned in many countries for several years due to its hallucinogenic reputation.
The world’s biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest, originated in Munich, Germany, and attracts over 6 million visitors each year.
On average, women have a lower alcohol tolerance than men primarily due to differences in body composition and metabolism.
The liver can only metabolize about one standard drink of alcohol per hour.
Alcohol can disrupt the REM stage of sleep, resulting in a less restful night’s rest.
In ancient Rome, wine was considered a daily necessity and was consumed by all social classes.
The term alcoholic was first used in 1849 to describe someone who was addicted to alcohol.
The first known written recipe for beer is recorded on a Sumerian poem known as the Hymn to Ninkasi.
The Guinness World Records book holds the record for being the most stolen book from public libraries, partly due to its section on record-breaking alcoholic beverages.
Drinking alcohol can increase the release of endorphins in the brain, leading to feelings of relaxation and euphoria.
The world’s most expensive cocktail, Winston, costs $14,000 and is made with vintage Champagne, cognac, and a diamond in the glass.
The spinning sensation some people experience after drinking too much alcohol is called vertigo.
There is a condition called auto-brewery syndrome where the body produces excessive amounts of yeast, leading to alcohol production in the gut without actually consuming alcohol.
Some alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, contain antioxidants that may have a positive impact on heart health.
Alcohol can affect different people in different ways due to factors like body weight, tolerance, and even genetics.
