Alcoholic is a form of beverage that contains ethanol, a member of hydroxyl group. Ethanol is commonly referred to as alcohol by International Food Information Service and can only be used for human consumption if mixed with agricultural products. However, pure ethanol cannot be consumed by humans, as it is toxic in nature. Generally, alcohol is produced through anaerobic fermentation of sugars by yeast. Here, glucose molecules are broken down in absence of oxygen to yield ethanol, carbon dioxide and energy. The longer the duration of fermentation with controlled amounts of yeast, the stronger would be the alcohol.
Alcohol is a water-soluble molecule; it is absorbed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, it circulates in the blood and is distributed through water available in the body by the process of diffusion. Alcohol diffuses more rapidly into organs rich in blood supply such as lungs and liver where blood is received directly from the stomach. It is important to note that absorption of alcohol is quickest when individuals drink on an empty stomach. Level of absorption of alcohol is different between individuals mainly may be due to speed at which it is consumed and food eaten while drinking, as this may interfere with the absorption from the stomach. Absorption of alcohol also depends on gender and body size of individuals. Generally, human body has no capacity to store alcohol and it has toxic properties.
Alcohol or ethanol has toxic properties such that, intoxication of the body leads one becoming unconscious of his/her actions. Chemical processes in the body due to alcohol include oxidation and breakdown of energy from the alcohol, thus creating glucose. On average, the impact of alcohol on human consumption can be deterring to major organs in the body including the liver. The liver is in charge of breaking down enzymes, but with excessive consumption of alcohol, the liver can be damaged as it would be overworked. If it is damaged then there will be excessive toxins within the body. Chemical processes in relation to alcohol consumption have also been instrumental in development of breast cancer in women mainly because certain ingredients in alcoholic beverages that catalyze estrogen oxidation leads to tumor inflammations.