Whiskey Is Healthy?

We all have that friend who consumes liberal amounts of red wine under the pretense, “Hey, it’s good for me.” And yes, red wine has benefits, in moderation. One more time — IN MODERATION. But red wine isn’t the only alcohol that can improve your health. Whiskey-ophiles can rejoice — that single malt scotch on the rocks that you love so dearly is actually good for you. Now, non-drinkers, before you scream “Blasphemy!” and “Poison!” at your unresponsive computer screen, let’s get this out of the way: not everyone should drink. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure. But if you do enjoy partaking in a few now and then, take a minute to familiarize yourself with some of whiskey’s widely unrecognized powers. Relieves cold and flu symptoms. Your grandparents knew what was up. A shot of whiskey not only is full of antioxidants, but it can knock a cold right out of you. How so? The alcohol content of whiskey actually works to relax your blood vessels, allowing your body to better respond to infection by allowing the mucus membranes to ease, thereby relieving congestion. Of course, drink too much whiskey and you’ll get dehydrated, which is especially unwelcome when you have the flu. Just a shot will do. Cancer prevention. Move over red wine, your oaky cousin has some anticancer benefits, too. Single-malt whiskey contains considerable amounts of the antioxidant ellagic acid — yes, in a more absorbable concentration than red wine. This antioxidant is believed to significantly prevent the replication of cancer cells. It also scavenges free radicals, and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent against the inflammatory effects of pure alcohol . Essentially, drinking good whiskey appears to be less inflammatory to the body than drinking other clear liquors due to a high elegiac acid content. Heart disease prevention. The smoke from the peat absorbed in the whiskey-crafting process produces phenols, which are also found in wine. These phenols have been shown time and time again to reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s important to note, however, that mature, aged whiskeys contain the greatest amount of antioxidants. Newer whiskeys are far less phenol-dense, so it pays to splurge on the good stuff. Fortunately or unfortunately, all you need to drink is one shot a week to get this disease protection. In addition to whiskey’s list of glories, drinking alcohol is full of general health benefits. Moderate drinkers have been shown to have a 25 percent reduced risk of dying than non-drinkers any given year, a 54 percent lower chance of developing dementia, a 50 percent reduced risk of stroke, and an overall 30-40 percent reduced chance of developing diabetes. Now, to reiterate, moderation is key. Drinking copious shots of any sort of alcohol isn’t going to do your whiney liver any favors. But, if you do consume alcohol, indulging in an aged, smoky glass of Scotch can actually be incredibly beneficial. So go grab your favorite tumbler and drink to your health.

All the health benefits of whiskey you wish you knew earlier… you’re welcome:

Whiskey is one of the best alcohols you can drink. Not only is it the least likely to give you a hangover, but it’s also one of the healthiest around. You’ll find that having a few fingers of whiskey every week can help to:

1.  Avoid Weight Gain – Whiskey is a low-calorie alcohol, especially when compared to the many cocktails, beers, and wines you can find on supermarket shelves. You can drink a tumbler of whiskey without worrying about packing on the pounds thanks to its low sugar content.
2. Boost Heart Health – Did you know that drinking whiskey can actually make your heart healthier? Aside from wine and dark beer, what other alcohols can claim that? Not only will whiskey reduce the risk of blood clots, but it will lower your stroke and heart attack risk as well. The antioxidants in whiskey stop cholesterol from clogging your arteries, and it can even boost your good cholesterol.
3. Fight Cancer -- Whiskey is rich in antioxidants, particularly one known as ellagic acid. This antioxidant stops your body’s DNA from coming in contact with cancer-causing compounds, reducing the risk of carcinogens forming. It can also protect your body from chemotherapy, and will reduce oxidation in your body.
4. Improve Brain Health – A study conducted in 2003 discovered that drinking whiskey reduces your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. If you’re worried that your brain is slowing down in your old age, it’s time to start drinking whiskey to protect your very important organ from damage.
5. Reduce Stroke Risk -- Whiskey not only helps to prevent cholesterol from building up in your arteries, but it can actually help to get rid of any cholesterol present in your blood vessels at the moment. It will also help to relax the walls of your arteries, ensuring that your blood can flow without obstruction. One of the greatest health benefits of whiskey is the reduced stroke risk, and we can all drink to that!

6. Fight Stress – Stress can cause a wide range of health problems in the human body, but thankfully we’ve got whiskey to kick stress’ butt! Whiskey helps to reduce anxiety and stress, calming your nerves and helping to relax your body. It can increase circulation throughout your body, providing your organs with fresh, oxygenated blood. A serving or two of whiskey can help to calm stressed nerves effectively!
7. Boost Memory — The antioxidants in whiskey can help to improve the health of your brain, and the circulation-boosting effects of this alcohol will boost your memory at the same time. The same properties that help to reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia will also keep your brain active and young.
8. Aid in Digestion -- Did you know that whiskey has long been drunk as a digestive aid? It was usually consumed after a meal, helping to relax the body after eating heavy food. It can also help to shut down your appetite, preventing you from overeating. Best of all, it will aid in digestion, reducing your risk of stomach ache or indigestion after a heavy meal.
9. Lengthen Lifespan -- Whiskey is loaded with healthy antioxidants, and these nutrients can help to increase your lifespan by reducing your risk of disease. By protecting your body against disease, you prevent the slow breakdown of important cells in your body–thereby helping you to live longer.
10. Great for Diabetics -- Whiskey is a zero-carb alcohol, so you can drink it without worrying about the effect it will have on your blood sugar levels. If you suffer from diabetes, a finger or two of whiskey will be the right choice for you!