It does not matter if you are partial to Jack Daniels, Jim Beam or Wild Turkey. There are many types of whiskey and everyone is partial towards one or the other. But there is always somebody to tell you not to drink, as it ‘might’ ruin your health and turn you into an alcoholic.
But what if we told you that whiskey is really, really a good health drink? Would you believe it? Grab a whiskey shot, go through these top 11 facts on the health benefits of whiskey, and we promise that after reading you will not be bothered a bit to take the shot!
Ellagic Acid: A Boon To Humankind
Generally, whiskey is stored in wooden barrels. As the age of the whiskey stored increases, it not only develops an amber hue but also gains a chemical constituent called ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a natural phenol antioxidant with antiproliferative properties and has the ability to directly inhibit the DNA binding of certain carcinogens, including Nitrosamines.
It has a diverse positive effect on our health and is really quite beneficial to us.
So cheers to the whiskey lovers out there!
Controlling Cholesterol Levels
Biologically there are two types of cholesterols- the good and the bad. The bad cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), has adverse effects on our brain, heart, and circulatory system. Whiskey helps reduce the low-density lipoprotein level in our body.
But not only whiskey reduces the low-density lipoproteins but also helps increase the level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
HDL also helps, in turn, to keep the cardiovascular diseases in check while reasonably lowering the blood LDL level.
Your Heart Is Safe Now
Thanks to whiskey, the lower level of low-density lipoproteins greatly protects us from the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
According to a Harvard study, consumption of a single drink of whiskey considerably lowers the chance of having any kind of cardiovascular disease including ischemic (clot-caused) strokes, cardiac death, peripheral vascular diseases etc. – provided the consumption remains regular and moderate.
Whiskey is Good for Skin
As whiskey is an alcohol, it contains strong antiseptic properties that can cleanse the skin by removing bacteria and dirt.
Hence, because of those antiseptic properties, using whiskey with the right combination of ingredients is the key to avoid irritation and keep your skin glowing.
Here’s The Memory Booster!
Would you really believe that the drink that makes us forget what we did the previous night can also make our memory strong in the long run?! Yes, whiskey can improve memory and slow the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
According to a 2003 case study with the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, it was discovered that those who consumed whiskey in moderation had lower odds of dementia than those who consumed no whiskey at all.
The antioxidants reduce plaque buildup that causes Alzheimer’s, making our memories last lifelong.
Helps Avoid Weight Gain
Whiskey is the friendliest drink you could ever have if it comes to losing weight! Having about zero fat and almost zero carbs per shot, whiskey is the right choice if you want to keep that trim and svelte figure at check.
Taking whiskey along with meals or dinner has an appetite-curbing effect on the stomach, which may keep overeating in check and those extra carbs at bay.
Keeps Diabetes At Bay
Whiskey is like a boon to both the diabetics and the ones who are keeping the blood sugars in check. Being a very low-carb drink, whiskey is the drink which can be enjoyed by the diabetic ones, making them forget their worries about the sugars for once.
Furthermore, the ellagic acid in whiskey reportedly controls the amount of glucose being released from the liver. Ellagic acid slows down the gluconeogenesis (glucose formation and release from the liver), keeping the blood sugar in check. Happy sipping everybody!
Helps In Digestion
Though alcoholic drinks in excess are known to cause liver cirrhosis, whiskey in moderate amounts is regarded as one of the best digestifs in the world. The high alcohol content of whiskey stimulates the pepsin production in the stomach, helping in a smoother digestion.
It also reportedly heightens pancreas and gallbladder secretions. Again whiskey’s appetite curbing effect helps in reducing overeating, thus helping in to keep the stomach sane and happy.
Lengthens Your Life
If there was a life-giving elixir, it would be whiskey. Why? Whiskey is loaded with a huge assortment of antioxidants and other types of nutrients.
The antioxidants work to absorb the free radicals in our body which damage our body at a cellular level, curbing premature aging and chronic diseases.
It also boosts our immune system, protecting us from viral attacks. So, who wants this heavenly liquor?
Cancer Has An Answer!
Whiskeys, specifically single malt whiskeys, have the property of having a high ellagic acid content. The ellagic acid content of whiskeys is reportedly higher than red wines.
Although the research is in progress, certain indicators tell us that whiskey can prevent cancer. Due to having antioxidant properties, ellagic acid can absorb free radicals in the body. So we can just say, “A whiskey a day keeps cancer away”!
The Best Stress Reliever
And at last, here’s one of those reasons many people take whiskey. Being a deep-passion drink, it is a wonderful stress reliever.
According to researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto, Canada, one drink of whiskey a day is not just good for the heart, but also helps with blood circulation, oxygenation, etc., and thus, helps steady your nerves and lowers heart rate.
Whiskey also slows brain activity and lowers blood pressure, creating a sense of calm and tranquility. So after a harsh day, can anything be more beautiful than a nice bourbon sipper? Nopes!
So, O Health Conscious Ones… has your thirst been quenched yet? If not, just go ahead, pour yourself a bourbon, relax and sip on. There’s really nothing to be afraid of if you drink responsibly, of course!
Cheers to your health!!!
