Ten fun facts about Alcohol

1. A History of Human Consumption

Since the dawn of civilization, humans have been consuming and producing alcohol. Dating back to the Neolithic Era, or the New Stone Age, alcohol has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. This period of time saw the emergence of agriculture, the domestication of animals, and the development of pottery and other tools. It is believed that during this time, humans began to ferment fruits and grains to create the first alcoholic beverages.

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2. Ancient Egyptians drank beer to enjoy in afterlife

The ancient Egyptians were so fond of beer that even the pyramid workers drank it as their daily drink! This beer was made from barley, and the Egyptians were so devoted to it that they were even buried with jars of beer so they could enjoy it in the afterlife. This shows just how important beer was to the ancient Egyptians, and how it was an integral part of their culture.

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3. 16-25 year olds can legally drink in some countries

In many countries around the world, the legal drinking age is between 16 and 25 years old. However, some countries, such as Cambodia and Armenia, don't have any legal drinking age at all. This means that anyone of any age can legally purchase and consume alcohol in these countries. It's important to note, however, that even in countries without a legal drinking age, there may be other laws in place that regulate the sale and consumption of alcohol.

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4. Alcohol Kills: 88,000 Americans Each Year

Every year in the United States, an alarming 88,000 deaths are caused by excessive alcohol consumption. This staggering figure is a stark reminder of the devastating effects of alcohol abuse, and highlights the need for greater awareness and prevention of this preventable cause of death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that excessive alcohol use is responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64, and is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States.

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5. The Risks and Rewards of Overconsumption

Excessive alcohol use over a long period of time can have serious consequences on one's physical and mental health. It can lead to a variety of psychiatric problems, such as depression, anxiety, and even psychosis. Additionally, it can cause liver diseases, such as cirrhosis, fatty liver, and alcoholic hepatitis. Furthermore, it can lead to cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with long-term alcohol use and to drink responsibly.

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6. Alcohol Kills More Than 3 Million People Each Year

Alcohol use is a major contributor to premature death and disability worldwide, ranking as the fifth leading risk factor. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol use is responsible for more than 3 million deaths each year, accounting for 5.3% of all deaths globally. This is a staggering figure, especially when considering that alcohol-related deaths are preventable. The WHO also estimates that alcohol use is a factor in more than 200 diseases and injury-related health conditions, including liver cirrhosis, certain cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

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7. Legal Limit for Alcohol in Blood Changed Twice in Just 50 Years

When breathalyzers were first introduced, the legal limit of alcohol in your blood content or blood alcohol concentration was a staggering .15 - that's twice the limit it is today! This means that if you were to be tested with a breathalyzer back then, you would be considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration of just .08, which is the current legal limit in most states. This change in the legal limit has been implemented to help reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on the roads.

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8. The Arabic Name for Spirit

The Arabic name for alcohol or ethanol is 'al-gawl', which translates to "spirit" or "demon". This name is derived from the ancient belief that alcohol had a supernatural power, and was thought to be a spirit or demon that could be consumed. This belief has been around for centuries, and is still held by many cultures today.

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9. The First Thanksgiving: Alcohol Was a Major Part of the Celebration

At the first Thanksgiving meal, there was no mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin pie - but there was plenty of alcohol! In fact, the pilgrims and Native Americans celebrated with beer, brandy wine, and gin. This is a far cry from the traditional Thanksgiving meal we know today, but it's a reminder of the importance of alcohol in the early days of the United States.

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10. Alcohol can have a significant impact on your brain

Alcohol may give you a temporary boost of energy, but it is actually a depressant that can have a significant impact on your brain. When you drink alcohol, it can slow down your brain's activity, impairing your judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. In addition, it can interfere with your ability to form new memories and recall old ones. Ultimately, alcohol can have a detrimental effect on your brain's functioning, so it's important to drink responsibly.

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