Whiskey is like every other great thing in life; it’s best when savored in moderation. Whiskey is more than just a good drink to have with friends after work or at a party; you might be shocked to learn that. The health benefits it provides are real and substantial. You shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying that sweet and savory glass. Indeed, whiskey is beneficial to your health and has a pleasant flavor. Here are 10 unexpected ways whiskey improves your health.
Whiskey is like every other great thing in life; it’s best when savored in moderation. Whiskey is more than just a good drink to have with friends after work or at a party; you might be shocked to learn that. The health benefits it provides are real and substantial. You shouldn’t feel guilty about enjoying that sweet and delicious glass. Indeed, whiskey is beneficial to your health and has a pleasant flavor. Here are 10 unexpected ways whiskey improves your health.
Protects Against Heart Disease
Multiple studies have shown that drinking a glass of whiskey daily can lower your chance of developing cardiovascular disease and heart failure. Researchers at Harvard found that consuming alcohol in moderation increased levels of “good cholesterol” in the blood. This is a preventative measure that can help keep your heart healthy.
Whiskey Is a Great Cold Remedy
The Hot Toddy was created in 18th-century Scotland as a means of masking the unpleasant flavor of Scottish whiskey. The Scots would dilute their “scotch” with herbal tea, honey, cinnamon, sugar, dates, or whatever else they could find to cover up the awful flavor. Hot toddies became popular, and they remained so even after Scots figured out scotch. When consumed in moderation, whiskey’s ability to widen blood vessels and boost circulation makes it an effective decongestant. In addition to the antibacterial effects of the tea and honey, the addition of alcohol turns the mixture into a drunken elixir.
Aids in the War Against Cancer
Research reveals whiskey can help fight cancer, but it shouldn’t be used alone. Whiskey’s ellagic acid content aids in the elimination of cancerous or otherwise unwanted cells. This acid is also present in fruit and wine, albeit at lower concentrations than in whiskey.
Encourages Slimming Down
Whiskey has a pleasant flavor, but it also has relatively few calories and no fat. The sugar in the beverage is also simple sugar, which the body quickly absorbs and uses for energy. This may aid in the process of losing weight. In moderation, drinking can cause a loss of muscle tone and the development of a “beer gut.” Whiskey is a great way to cut calories and yet have a wonderful time.
Decreases Stress
You’ve earned a break from your job, family, and the stresses of daily life. A shot of whiskey might help calm your nerves when life gets hectic. The sedative effects of alcohol are well-documented. People who suffer from excessive stress or anxiety can benefit greatly from this. Stress relief shouldn’t come solely from alcoholic beverages, though. The misuse of alcohol as a sedative can increase nervousness and panic.
Reducing the Chance of Diabetes
Whiskey benefits those who are predisposed to developing diabetes. A study found that drinking the sugary beverage cut one’s risk of developing diabetes by 40%. A recent study found that drinking whiskey in moderation helped people better control their insulin and glucose levels. This is because the drink contains a lot of simple carbohydrates, which the body quickly absorbs and uses for energy. You can lessen your chances of having diabetes by keeping your blood sugar levels under control.
Protects Against Degenerative Brain Diseases
Researchers have found that drinking whiskey in moderation helps improve cognitive function and lowers the risk of acquiring age-related neurological diseases including Alzheimer’s and dementia. This is because the calorie-providing antioxidant ellagic acid eliminates free radicals accumulated in the body over time, hence preventing the beginning of certain neurological degenerative disorders. However, this effect is only seen with moderate intake, as drinking too much whiskey is neurotoxic.
Dementia Risk Is Reduced
One of the most common health problems among the elderly is dementia. Despite researchers’ best efforts, no treatment has been found. So, it’s important to take preventative measures against dementia if you care about your health.
A 2003 study found that the risk of dementia was reduced by half in those who drank between one and six glasses of whiskey per week compared to those who drank more than that. Again, moderation is key in any situation. consuming a few glasses of wine once or twice a week has been shown to reduce the risk of dementia, but consuming alcohol every day significantly increases that risk.
It’s as Simple as That
You can get a hottie toddy at any bar, but if you detect a chill in the air, you should get one as soon as possible. Whiskey, hot water, lemon juice, and honey are effective anti-cold combinations.
The iconic beverage may not directly combat the flu, but it does widen blood vessels, which aids the mucus membranes in their battle against the virus. Get sloshed!
Aid for Digestion
It’s normal to have a little tummy rumble after a big lunch. A shot of whiskey after dinner may help settle an upset stomach. Whiskey’s high alcohol content makes it a good digestive aid. This will speed up the digestion process. Your stomach will have to work extra hard to digest not only the whiskey but also the massive meal you just ate. It acts as a natural digestive aid.
It Prevents Blood Clots
Blood clots when you have an internal injury to try to stop the bleeding. However, if the clot breaks off and travels to another region of your circulatory system, such as your heart, lungs, or brain, the consequences can be fatal.
Blood coagulation is much diminished by whiskey, thankfully. Whiskey has been shown to thin the blood. Therefore, a little whiskey now and then can help keep blood clots at bay. Moreover, blood clots are problematic because they frequently become lodged in unhealthy levels of cholesterol. Whiskey, as was previously said, raises “good” cholesterol while lowering “bad” cholesterol. Therefore, the risk of serious consequences like stroke is reduced if you do have a blood clot.
Strengthen Your Defences
Whiskey can be used both as a treatment for and a preventative measure against the common cold. Whiskey’s ellagic acid content is a bonus to the vitamin supplementation that’s already there. Even while whiskey has some health benefits, drinking too much would nullify them. Whiskey, like any alcoholic beverage, should be consumed sparingly.