When it comes to health benefits of alcohol, it’s widely accepted that the healthiest booze is wine, especially when it comes to heart health. While this is true, other alcoholic drinks also contain the same kinds of health benefits.
Whisky, for example, boasts positive effects on one’s health when the recommended amount is consumed. In fact, several factors in whisky are actually healthier than that of wine!
While all the types of whisky carry certain positives, bourbon is the one often correlated with health benefits. Here are just some of the plusses that you can add to your health by having the recommended serving of whisky in a day!
Whisky Nutritional Value
Whiskey, like most alcoholic beverages, has its own set of nutrition facts, but it might surprise you how simple it really is. Let’s break it down and explain what’s going on when you sip on that glass of whiskey.
Basic Nutritional Information of Whiskey
Whiskey is made from fermented grains (like barley, corn, rye, or wheat) and aged in wooden barrels, which gives it that smooth, rich flavor. A standard 1.5-ounce shot of whiskey (about 44 ml) generally contains:
- Calories: 90-100 calories
- Carbs: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Alcohol content: Typically between 40-50% alcohol by volume (ABV), depending on the whiskey.
How much whisky should you have in a day?
Drinking in moderation is always encouraged. However, just how much drinking is considered to be moderate? Furthermore, when it comes to reaping some of the following health benefits, how much whisky should you have in a day?
It’s recommended to have just 1.5 ounces of whisky in a day. This is equivalent to one shot of whisky. You may be thinking, “if I drink more, then I’ll gain more health points.”
But it doesn’t work that way! Having too much may actually be detrimental to your health, so be careful to follow the recommended serving.
What are the health benefits of whisky?
1. Helping with weight loss
While alcohol is associated with calories and therefore weight gain, bourbon in particular is actually said to aid in weight loss.
Despite being made of wheat, rye, barley, and other grains, bourbon is actually gluten free! Hard to believe, right? This is possible because of the distillation process, which burns away the calories from the grains. Therefore, bourbon is also low in sugar and carbohydrates.
In fact, less calories are found in bourbon compared to other alcoholic beverages such as beer or wine. The USDA states that 1.5 shots of bourbon contains 97 calories. Meanwhile, 5 fluid ounces of wine can hold up to 123 calories!
2. Relieving stress
Yes, whisky isn’t the only type of alcohol that can help relieve stress! This is why drinking in moderation is important, so as not to create a dependency.
When it comes to whisky, having one shot at the end of a long day is believed to have the ability to reduce stress levels. It improves blood circulation, eases tension, and soothes your nerves.
When you feel the tension relief, remember to stop there and not reach for another drink! Remember, one shot is all that’s required for you to gain the health benefits.
Related article: Reaping the Numerous Health Benefits of Wine
3. Controlling diabetes
With the tight relation between diabetes and blood sugar levels, you would think that whisky would not be recommended for diabetics. The drink is known for its sweetness, after all. However, one element present in single malt whiskies and bourbon can actually help control diabetes.
Ellagic acid, a form of antioxidant, is actually more present in whisky than it is in wine! Studies have proven the ability of ellagic acid to reduce insulin and blood sugar levels in diabetics over time. This antioxidant regulates glucose levels in the liver and insulin in the body.
4. Curbing cancer
In addition to diabetes, elements found in whisky can also help curb cancer. Here, the antioxidants also play a vital role, as they prevent free radicals from forming in the body. These radicals have the potential to be cancerous.
5. Balancing out cholesterol
As it is with wine, whisky also contains high levels of polyphenols, which ups the levels of good cholesterol in the body and gets rid of the bad ones. While bad cholesterol results in clogging of the blood vessels, and eventually heart disease, healthy cholesterol actually clears out the pathways of the arteries.
Related Articles: Sake and its Various Benefits
6. Increasing brain capacity
Looking to boost the creative juices? A shot of bourbon should do the trick! Science has shown that this particular whisky can increase cognitive performance.
Of course, having more than the recommended amount would probably lead to intoxication, so drink at your own risk!
7. Alleviating hangover symptoms
If you’re wishing to drink without experiencing a raging hangover, whisky is the solution. It’s not that you won’t be hungover at all when drinking whisky. It’s just that it’s been proven to result in less intense hangover symptoms compared to other alcohols.
8. Boost your immune system
Whiskey contains a small number of antioxidants, which are compounds that help protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. The aging process in the barrel adds some antioxidants to whiskey, particularly phenolic compounds. These compounds may help boost your body’s ability to fight off infections by supporting your immune system.
Some studies suggest that whiskey might have anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation can suppress your immune system, so reducing inflammation may help your body fight off illnesses more effectively. Again, whiskey isn’t a substitute for a healthy diet or lifestyle, but it might offer some mild benefits when enjoyed in moderation.
9. Relief cold syndrome
If you're feeling under the weather, whiskey might offer a little relief from cold symptoms—though, of course, it’s not a cure. A warm glass of whiskey can give you an instant feeling of comfort and warmth, which may help soothe a sore throat or ease the chills that come with a cold.
That warmth can also temporarily relieve congestion, especially if you enjoy your whiskey in the form of a hot toddy (whiskey mixed with hot water, honey, lemon, and sometimes spices). The steam from the hot liquid helps open up your nasal passages, and the soothing liquid can calm your throat.
The alcohol in whiskey can act as a mild decongestant, opening up blood vessels and improving blood flow. This may help with nasal congestion and sinus pressure, giving you some temporary relief when you’re dealing with a cold. A hot toddy, in particular, can help loosen mucus and clear up your sinuses.
Risks of whiskey
While whiskey can be enjoyed responsibly, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with drinking it, especially if it's consumed in excess. Let's dive into some of the potential dangers of whiskey and how they can affect your health.
1. Alcohol Dependency and Addiction
One of the most significant risks of drinking whiskey, or any alcohol for that matter, is the potential for alcohol dependency or addiction. Regularly consuming large amounts of whiskey can lead to your body becoming dependent on alcohol to feel "normal."
Over time, this can turn into an addiction, where you may find it difficult to stop drinking even when it negatively affects your life. Alcohol addiction can have serious long-term consequences, including liver damage, mental health issues, and strained relationships.
2. Liver Damage
Your liver plays a crucial role in breaking down alcohol in your body, but it can only process a certain amount at a time. Drinking whiskey frequently or in large amounts puts a significant strain on your liver.
Over time, this can lead to fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or even cirrhosis, where the liver becomes so damaged it can no longer function properly. These conditions can be life-threatening and often develop silently over many years of heavy drinking.
3. Increased Risk of Heart Disease
While moderate alcohol consumption may have some heart-healthy benefits, excessive drinking can have the opposite effect. Drinking too much whiskey over time can raise your blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
It can also contribute to arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats, and weaken the heart muscle, leading to a condition called cardiomyopathy.
Looking for your favorite Whisky? Minuman.com provides the widest selection of Whisky. Order now and have your Whisky delivered to your doorstep with fast delivery.
Looking for your favorite Whisky? Minuman.com provides the widest selection of Whisky. Order now and have your Whisky delivered to your doorstep with fast and free delivery. Whiskies are available at minuman.com and superstore:
- Mr. Dowell's No.1 - Blended Whisky - 750ml
- Label 5 - Classic Black - Blended Whisky - 700ml
- Bells Original - Blended Whisky - 700ml
- Jim Beam White - Bourbon Whiskey - 750ml
- Glenfiddich 12yrs - Single Malt Whisky - 700ml
