Whiskey or whisky is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is typically made from fermented grain mash. The grains used in whiskey production can include barley, corn, rye, and wheat. People all over the world make and drink the different varieties of whiskey, and each whiskey has a distinct taste. While most people drink whiskey for fun, you will be surprised that it actually carries some meaningful health benefits. Numerous researches have found some health benefits to drinking considerate amounts of alcohol, especially whiskey. But like anything great in life, whiskey should be enjoyed in moderation.
Here are the health benefits of whiskey.
1. Decreases the risk of cancer
Alcohol contains ellagic acid, an antioxidant that destroys cancerous cells. Whiskey contains more ellagic acid than other types of alcohol, providing even more cancer cell-fighting antioxidants to neutralize cancer-causing free radicals in the human body.
2. Lowers the risk of heart disease
A glass of whiskey a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease and heart failure. A moderate amount of alcohol raises the amount of good cholesterol in your blood. This is a natural protection against heart disease.
3. Help in weight loss
Because whiskey is a low-carb drink, it makes it the perfect choice for anyone who is watching their weight. It contains very little sodium and no fat. Plus, the sugar in the drink is simple sugar, which is quickly processed by the body. Moderate intake increases energy and decreases the desire for sugar (sucrose) intake. This can help enhance weight loss.
4. Lowers the risk of dementia
Dementia is one of the most prominent diseases facing the elderly population. Adults who consume one to six glasses of whiskey a week are 50 percent less likely to suffer from dementia as compared to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. It’s important to practice moderate drinking. While a couple of glasses a week will lower your risk of dementia, drinking multiple glasses a day will raise your risk exponentially.
5. Reduces stress
Alcohol is known for calming the nerves. This is extremely beneficial for people with high stress or anxiety. The barbiturate effect of the alcohol can reduce stress, and also has sedative properties to help you relax/sleep if you’re experiencing anxiety.
6. Reduces the risk of diabetes
If you are at risk for diabetes, whiskey is good for you. It can reduce the chances of diabetes by up to 40 percent. A moderate amount of whiskey can improve your body’s ability to regulate insulin and glucose levels. This is because of all the simple sugars in the drink, which are easy to process. If you can control your body’s blood sugar levels, then you lower your risk for developing diabetes.
7. Helps fight common cold
The mix of whisky, hot water, lemon and honey warms you up inside and helps fight that cold. While the infamous drink doesn’t fight the flu directly, it does dilate blood vessels to make it easier for mucus membranes to fight the infection. Whiskey acts as a decongestant by dilating your blood vessels, while the honey, lemon, and herbal tea have anesthetic properties can loosen mucus.
8. Helps in digestion
Whiskey stimulates stomach enzymes. This gets your digestive system moving fast. Not only will your stomach work hard to break down the whisky, but it will also break down that large meal in the process. If after a large meal you feel a rumble in your stomach or if you are feeling nauseous, a post-meal whisky may help ease your stomach.
9. Reduces blood clotting
Because of its blood-thinning properties, whiskey can reduce the risk of developing blood clots. Blood clots often cause issues when they get stuck in bad cholesterol. But, whiskey promotes good cholesterol which help decrease blood clots. When you have an internal injury, your blood naturally clots to try and stop the bleed. However, if that clot spreads into another part of your blood system – like your heart, lung, or brain – the effects can be disastrous. Whisky as a natural blood-thinner, can help prevent this.
10. Reduces risk of stroke
People who consume one or two alcoholic drinks daily, including whiskey, have a 50 percent lower chance of having a stroke. This benefit comes from alcohol’s ability to increase good cholesterol and decrease blood clots. Therefore, because of its blood-thinning properties, a daily shot of whiskey can lower a person’s risk of ischemic (clot-caused) stroke. But, the key is to consume in moderation.
11. Boost immune system
Whiskey does not only help fight common medical issues like common colds, stroke, diabetes, dementia, etc. but it can also help prevent them. Whiskey contains ellagic acid, which alone with vitamins can help your immune system fight off illnesses and tremendously boast your immunity.
12. Soothes sore throat
When you mix whiskey with warm water and honey, you can achieve a delicious cure for a sore throat. The alcohol in the whiskey acts as an antiseptic and numbing agent on aching tonsils and the honey creates a thick coating that will help the healing effects last longer.
Conclusion
While moderate consumption of whiskey may offer some health benefits, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can have severe health consequences, including liver damage, addiction, and an increased risk of various diseases. Before incorporating whiskey or any alcoholic beverage into your lifestyle for health reasons, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or concerns.
