Whether you are sticking to New Year’s Resolutions or trying to turn over a new leaf, a healthy diet may lead to some adjustments in the way you eat, drink, and enjoy a night out. That’s just the way it is. Suck it up, buddy. Either way, switching to salads once a week may not help you reach every goal you have, but any and every food and drink choice can affect your diet and overall health. Drinking whiskey is no exception.
Dieters and health-conscious drinkers may be surprised, however, to know that while many alcoholic drinks have negative effects on your health, others have many positive benefits – like whiskey. Whiskey may be able to boost your health and prevent diseases, like a stroke or possibly even cancer. So pour yourself a shot of your favorite brand and read up on the many surprising health benefits of whiskey.
#1 Whiskey can help reduce your risk of diabetes
The low sugar and carbohydrate content in whiskey can keep your blood sugar levels in check. You blood sugar levels won’t spike up, and if you have not eaten or exercised much during the day, your blood sugar levels may actually drop slightly. Additional studies have proven that a glass of whiskey can actually reduce your risk of diabetes.
#2 A hot toddy is proven to help cure the common cold!
What would you prefer when you’re sick: a bowl of chicken noodle soup, or a hot toddy? Doctors agree that these two options can both help you when you have a cold or a cough. A hot toddy is a whiskey drink with honey, lemon, and hot water. Some drinkers add in cinnamon as well.) The whiskey in hot toddies open blood vessels and helps mucus membranes to fight infection. Hot water can reduce congestion in the nose and sinuses. Honey has antibacterial qualities and provides additional antioxidants that fight infections and helps to soothe an itchy throat. Adding a little bit of lemon juice will boost Vitamin C levels. If you want to add spices, you can help to boost saliva levels and fight even more bacteria in the mouth and throat area.
#3 Whiskey can help to improve digestion
Alcohol in general can help to curb appetite, reducing the risk of overstuffing yourself and putting your digestion system to work that it can’t handle. A glass of whiskey after a meal can help to reduce stomach pains or indigestion better than beer or wine. The higher content of alcohol stimulates pepsin, an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins that you’ve eaten, and helps them continue through the digestive system.
#4 Whiskey can help to boost your memory
In addition to preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s, whiskey can increase blood flow to the brain. By helping the brain function, you can improve your memory with a glass of whiskey a day. (A few too many glasses of whiskey, however, may not be so helpful – don’t forget the night with too much alcohol!)
#5 Whiskey can boost heart health and reduce your risk of having a stroke
Want a strong heart? Pour yourself a shot of whiskey. The antioxidants in whiskey also work to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood vessels and arteries, preventing buildups and blockages that are threatening to your health. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots, but with whiskey’s blood thinning properties, your risk goes down.
#6 Whiskey is a sugar-free drink, which has many health benefits
It is important to note that most of these benefits come from whiskey itself, rather than a mixed drink. Whiskey alone is a sugar-free drink, which helps to reduce cholesterol in the body. A whiskey sour or Jack and Coke, however, won’t bring the same benefits. Sugar in drinks (like a glass of wine or a cocktail) will not only raise cholesterol – it will also make your hangover worse in the morning. Besides, good whiskey doesn’t need any sugar, so if you’re adding coke to Maverick Whiskey, please stop now.
So next time you pick up that glass of whiskey and use the excuse, “Oh this will fight my free radicals” perhaps find another reason. After looking forward to so many benefits you might be wondering that from where you can get the perfect bottle of whiskey for yourself, then Avon, CO Liquor Store is the best place to end your hunt.
Paul Williams 