Whiskey is an alcoholic beverage that is obtained through grain distillation. It is 40% alcohol, which qualifies it as hard liquor.
For a whiskey to yield any health benefit, it should be consumed in moderation and with the necessary precaution.
The roots of whiskey can be traced back to the Celtic regions of Scotland and Ireland, with both these countries claiming provenance of the drink.
Nutrient Content of Whiskey
According to the US Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of distilled whiskey contains the following:
- Water: 63.9 g
- Energy: 350 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Iron: 0.02 mg
- Potassium: 1 mg
- Alcohol: 36 g
Types of Whiskey
The multiple varieties of whiskey hailing from different geographical locations tend to come with their specific character, name, taste, and ingredients.
Scotland is known for producing a specific type of whiskey called scotch, which is distilled from malted barley. America is known for yet another variety of whiskey called bourbon, which is distilled from corn.
Other than bourbon, some other popular types of American whiskey include corn whiskey, rye whiskey, malt whiskey, rye-malt whiskey, wheat whiskey, and Tennessee whiskey.
Production of Whiskey
The production process involves steeping the grains and then adding yeast to the mix. The yeast acts as a fermenting agent that breaks down the sugars in the grains to release alcohol as a by-product.
The liquid alcohol is then separated from the grain mash through various distillation processes depending upon the type of whiskey to be produced.
Both Scottish and American whiskeys go through a double round of distillation, whereas Irish whiskey is distilled thrice to produce the final product. The more distilled the product, the lighter and smoother is its flavor.
Grains with high sugar content naturally produce sweeter-tasting whiskey. Aging the whiskey also helps mellow its taste.
Whiskey is traditionally stored or aged in barrels, and the wood interacts with the distilled liquid inside to impart it an appetizing flavor.
Health Benefits of Whiskey
The potential benefits of drinking alcohol should not compel non-drinkers to start drinking or responsible drinkers to overindulge.
The principle of moderation especially applies to alcohol, as excessive intake can severely harm your body and your social well-being.
A measured intake of whiskey is believed to offer the following benefits.
1. May help protect against cognitive disorders
All types of alcoholic beverages, including whiskey, have been shown to exhibit antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant phytochemicals in whiskey positively influence GABA receptors to maintain a healthy chemical balance in the brain. This can help protect against the debilitating repercussions of depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, schizophrenia, etc., but more research is needed to establish these claims conclusively.
2. May decrease the risk of heart disease
People who engage in light to moderate drinking tend to have a lower risk of congestive heart failure, stroke, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and total mortality. However, there is no direct study to link these factors.
Conversely, people who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are more prone to cardiovascular problems.
3. May help control urate levels
High uric acid levels are responsible for painful conditions such as gout, wherein the excess uric acid crystallizes and accumulates in the joints.
Some clinical studies suggest that light to moderate whiskey consumption can promote the excretion of urate through the urine.
4. Other benefits
Some other suggested benefits of limited whiskey intake include weight loss and improved digestion, but these claims have little to no scientific backing.
Whiskey is extremely low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it also has a negligible level of carbohydrates.
It has only 70 calories in 100 ml. However, it is, first and foremost, an intoxicant that should be consumed judiciously and responsibly.
You should be aware of both the risks and benefits associated with alcohol consumption and stay within the stipulated limit to avoid any undue complications. To buy the best quality whiskey visit your nearby liquor store in Avon, CO.
Paul Williams 
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