Is Whiskey Healthy?

Who else grew up to learn that whiskey is bad for their health? Well, I did, and I know better, so I`d like to share with you. This article will be discussing the pros and cons of whiskey. You will particularly read ten benefits and four side effects of whiskey, and some amazing whiskey facts. Are you ready?

Like many other foods and drinks, if you drink it in moderation, whiskey is actually healthy. So what does whiskey do? A lot actually. Whiskey prevents and cures many diseases, it controls diabetes, it helps you deal with stress, it improves the memory, it prevents cancer, it prevents dementia, it helps you lose weight, it`s great for the heart, and I can keep listing, really. Whiskey is quite healthy.

10 Benefits of Whiskey

It Strengthens the Immune System

For the immune system to optimally perform its function of protecting the body against diseases, there are some vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting agents that are required. Ellagic acid, a chemical compound and antioxidant in whiskey, together with some trace amounts of vitamins give the immune system the boost it needs.

Ellagic acid is the same compound in strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, walnuts, and some other plant foods that gives them their immune-boosting quality. So now you know just what to drink to boost your immune system.

It Manages Diabetes

The minute sugar content in whiskey makes it healthy for diabetics and non-diabetics. Whiskey also maintains insulin and glucose levels. A moderate drink of whiskey reduces the risk of developing diabetes by 30 percent. So whiskey is one of the healthy drinks for people with a family history of diabetes and people who are at risk of developing it.

It Reduces Stress

The importance of mental health cannot be overemphasized, especially in today`s society of increasing stress triggers. There is an ever-increasing need to combat stress, hence people turn to various substances for this. You can simply drink some whiskey to deal with stress. Whiskey reduces stress and anxiety, calms the nerves, and helps to relax the body.

It Aids Weight Loss

Whiskey contains less fat, calories, and cholesterol than many other alcoholic drinks. It also contains simple sugars that the body breaks down quickly and converts to energy. Are you on a diet and you crave alcohol? Consider taking some whiskey.

It Enhances Digestion

You can deal with stomach aches and indigestion by consuming whiskey in moderation. Its alcohol content stimulates pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins; this makes digestion much easier. Whiskey also helps you contain your appetite. People have used whiskey to combat digestion issues for centuries, and it remains a reliable means. It even solves digestion issues better than wine or beer.

It Improves Your Memory

Ellagic acid improves the circulation of blood inside the brain, and this is a memory boost. Whiskey contains ellagic acid, and moderate consumption of whiskey improves the memory.

Whiskey also prevents degenerative diseases like dementia. However, note that excessive forgetfulness may be a sign of Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s disease, so know when to seek medical attention.

It Prevents Cancer

Ellagic acid in whiskey stops the activities of free radicals that could lead to cell damage. Ellagic acid also ensures that your body system is free from these free radicals. And if you have undergone chemotherapy already, ellagic acid protects your body against the damage that chemotherapy may cause.

It Lowers Blood Clotting

Blood clot formation is essential for wounds to heal, however, when they form inside the body, it could be disastrous. Blood clots combined with atherosclerosis may cause thrombosis, and worse still, death. Whiskey is quite useful here, as it thins the blood and lowers blood clotting inside the body.

It Prevents Heart Disease

Whiskey contains antioxidants that prevent coronary heart disease. In fact, the body absorbs the phenolic compounds in whiskey easier than that in wine, making it ideal for cardiovascular health. Also, antioxidants in whiskey stop the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein — this is essential in reducing the risk of heart disease.

It Cures Flu

The alcohol content in whiskey dilates blood vessels, making it easier for mucus membranes to combat with the cause of the flu. Again, as already emphasized, moderation is key. You don`t need to drink so much for this to take effect.

As far as health matters are concerned, almost everything which has advantages also has disadvantages. Let`s look at the side effects of drinking whiskey.

Side Effects of Whiskey

It Interferes With Medications

Whiskey and a number of other alcohol drinks have some severe interaction with some medications. This has adverse effects. People who are on medications for diabetes, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, sleeping pills, pain relievers, and some other medications may experience complications if they drink whiskey.

It Affects Pregnancy

Spontaneous abortion, malformations, and other complications are quite common in cases of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to steer clear of whiskey and other drinks that contain alcohol.

It Causes Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis is the hardening of the liver as a result of a buildup of the scar tissue caused by alcohol. The scar tissue limits blood flow through the liver, and this reduces the liver`s ability to clear harmful toxins from the blood.

It Could Lead to Addiction

There is a thin line between moderate consumption and excessive drinking. Excessive whiskey intake can bring about addiction, hence physical and mental disorder. Once at the addiction stage, it takes a lot to break loose. For people with little self-control, it may just be better not to drink alcohol at all.

Whiskey Versus Whisky

Are they different? Is it just the US and UK English spelling this time? Let`s talk about it! The presence of the “e” depends on where the spirit is made. Whiskey comes from the United States and Ireland, while whisky comes from  Scotland, Japan, and Canada. Have you noticed that the countries that have an “e” in their names have the whiskey with an “e”? *winks*

Quick Whiskey Facts

• The word, “whiskey” originates from the Gaelic term, “uisce beatha”, meaning “water of life”.
• Whiskey was founded by Irish monks.
• The first blended whiskey in the world was a mixture of grain and malt.
• Irish whiskey was one of the first distilled drinks in Europe.
• John Walker, also known as Jonnie Walker was a grocer in Kilmarnock, Scotland who specialized in blending tea in the mid-1800s, before he began to blend whiskey.
• Jack Daniels learned how to make whiskey at age 6.
• Whiskey production is the second most profitable industry in Scotland.
• A bottle of whiskey can last 100 years without losing its taste.
• Open bottles of whiskey remain fine for consumption, even after five years.
• The United Kingdom exports 90% of the whiskey it produces.
• The five largest regional-made whiskeys are Scottish Whisky, Irish Whiskey, Kentucky Bourbon, Canadian Whisky, and Tennessee Whiskey.
• Scotland produces 90% of the world`s Single Malt Whiskeys.
• July 27 is Scotch Whisky Day.
• Until 1823, it was illegal to make spirits.
• The French are the world`s leading consumers of whiskey, followed by Uruguayans and Americans.

Now That You Know…

You have seen its advantages and disadvantages. At this point, you already know whether or not whiskey is for you. In your decision-making, remember that moderation remains a key point in whiskey consumption.