Whisky got its name from the Gaelic word uisge beatha. This means water of life. Being the water of life that it is, it has a lot of health benefits. Make sure you imbibe in moderation to reap the following health benefits.
Helps lower the risk of dementia
A case study reported that consumption of whisky lowers the risk of dementia. This is a comparison between the two groups. Those who abstained from alcohol and those who consumed alcohol. Moderate drinkers fared better than those who had more than 6 alcoholic drinks a week.
Aids digestion
Drinking a whisky after a large meal helps ease an upset stomach. Whisky has a high proof. It makes it an excellent digestif. It stimulates the stomach’s enzymes which help break down food.
Contains more ellagic acid than red wine
Ellagic acid is a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes cancer-causing free radicals in the human body. It is present in red wine. Studies show that whisky contains more of this ellagic acid than red wine. The health benefits of antioxidants in red wine is popular. But only a few know about its presence in whisky.
Moderate consumption lowers risk of stroke
Moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of heart disease and ischemic stroke. Moderate drinking is good for the heart and circulatory system. This is because of its blood-thinning properties. It also prevents gallstones. Make sure you avoid heavy drinking. It is a major cause of preventable death in most countries.
Helps prevent diabetes
Consuming alcohol is not recommended for diabetic patients. But long-term moderate alcohol intake helps the body to regulate insulin. This reduces the risk of contracting type 2 diabetes. Heaving drinking increases the risk so make sure you drink in moderation.
Relieves stress
A shot of whisky can help you relax. The barbiturate effect of the alcohol reduces stress. It also has sedative properties that help you sleep. This is perfect if you experience anxiety. This is why a lot of people consider this a classic choice of nightcap.
Cures the common cold
Whisky can dilate or widen your blood vessels if taken in moderation. This helps with cold symptoms such as congestion. It allows more movement of the mucus membrane in your sinuses. It also flushes out an infection. It may also contribute to a better sleep quality. But make sure you drink only a bit. Too much whisky will have an opposite effect. A hangover feels terrible.
Helps in losing weight
Whisky is a low-carb drink. It makes it the perfect choice for those who want to lose weight. Moderate consumption increases energy and decreases the desire for sugar intake. A shot of whisky is good if you want to keep your calories in check.
Soothes sore throat
Mixing whisky with warm water and honey makes it a delicious cure for a sore throat. The alcohol in the whisky serves as an antiseptic. It also acts as a numbing agent on aching tonsils. The honey creates a thick coating to help the healing effects last longer. You can gargle it if you like. But most like to sip it.
Prolongs life
Middle-aged and older adults who drink in moderation had a lower mortality rate. A study had this result. They compared moderate drinkers with heavy drinkers or non-drinkers.
There are more than 120 active distilleries spread across Scotland. Each Scotch Whisky distillery is proud of the quality of their products. You can only call whisky a Scotch when distilled in Scotland.
