The metaphoric pages of history have seen the many benefits of whisky, from an antiseptic, because of the alcohol percentage, for battle wounds to the perfect ingredient to keep a cold a t bay. In 1918, as the Spanish flu raged through the United States, physicians and frontline workers took swigs of malts to safeguard against infection. They’d also recommended small quantities to patients to ease their symptoms and stimulate the heart and respiratory system. These have been seen to just be a few of the benefits of whisky.
The Following have been found to be the benefits of whisky alcohol percentage:
Lowers risk of dementia
A case study reported that adults who consumed one to six alcoholic beverages a week showed a significantly lower risk of dementia. It is noted that the moderate drinkers also fared better than study participants who had more than six alcoholic drinks a week.
Serves as a digestion aid
Drinking a whisky after a large meal can help ease an upset stomach. Whisky’s high proof makes it an excellent digestive, stimulating the stomach’s enzymes, which assist break down food.
Single Malt Whiskies contain more ellagic acid than red wine
Ellagic acid is a free-radical fighting antioxidant. There have been talks of more of this acid in red wine and its benefits forgetting about the single malt. The single malt is said to have even more of this, which means one is likely to gain more benefits from a glass of whisky.
Lowers your risk of stroke
A study out from Harvard University reports that alcohol consumption in good portions corresponds with a 25 to 40 percent reduction in risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s safe to say that alcohol is both a tonic and a poison.
The difference lies mostly in the dose. Moderate drinking seems good for the heart and circulatory system, and probably protects against type 2 diabetes and gallstones. Heavy drinking is a major cause of preventable death in most countries.
Good for the heart and blood Vessels
Sure, alcohol can help lower inhibitions, but according to researchers in Toronto, one alcoholic drink can actually calm your circulatory system. “Our findings point to a slight beneficial effect of one drink, be it alcohol or red wine, on the heart and blood vessels. Whereas two or more drinks would seem to turn on systems that stress the circulation.” said Dr. John Floras, Director of Cardiology Research at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital. Again, everything in moderation.
Helps Cure Common Cold
Taken in moderation, one of the benefits of whisky is that it will dilate or widen blood vessels. This helps with cold symptoms like congestion. It allows more movement of the mucus membrane in your sinuses, or flushes out an infection. A bit of whisky will also contribute to a better night’s sleep, but only a bit! Too much will have an opposite effect, leaving you with a hangover instead of a cold cure.
Combat Stress and Relax
It is well known that alcohol can help you relax thanks to its sedative and anxiolytic effect. Helping to relieve anxiety and stress, relax the muscles and generally relax the body, which is one of the benefits of whisky especially one with 20-40 alcohol percentage.
It’s also worth mentioning that socializing and spending time with friends can be a great way to unwind. So if sharing a dram of whisky and talking through life’s mysteries helps you do that, then all I’ll say is cheers!
Avoid Weight Gain
Whisky is relatively low in calories compared to a can of beer or a small glass of red wine. A 30ml serve of whisky contains only 70 calories.
It might not help you lose weight, but if you make a point to avoid the sugary mixers it will go a long way in helping curb the calorie intake if you’re having a few drinks.
