Alcohol plays a significant part in the Caribbean diet and social scene. It is employed by all cultures for multi-purpose use such as in sterilisation and preservation of foods, as a component of religious ceremonies, in surgery and as a recreational drug.
Although not a nutrient, alcohol provides energy to the body. In addition to these empty calories, the consumption of alcohol has many immediate effects on the body. These include:
- Facial flushing
- Nausea
- Dizziness/hangover
- Numbness in hands/feet
- Chest distress
- Muscle weakness
- Shakes/trembling
- Stomach discomfort
Other harmful effects on the body (e.g. under-nutrition, nutrient absorption and weight loss) result from chronic use of alcoholic beverages. Repeated excessive use of alcoholic beverages leads to alcoholism which may result in chronic conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Although research has shown that moderate consumption of alcohol is protective against heart disease, there is some amount of controversy surrounding this issue.
