10 reasons you should drink whiskey occasionally
Believe it or not, consuming whiskey in the right dosage may have a positive effect on your health.
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Whiskey gets its name from the Gaelic word “uisge beatha”, meaning “water of life”, so raise your glass and toast to these 10 potential health benefits of drinking whiskey, as reported by the Highvelder.
10. Weight loss aid
Because whiskey is a low-carb drink, it makes it the perfect choice for anyone who is watching their weight.
9. Cancer prevention
Another great health benefit of whiskey is its high concentration of ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that can neutralise cancer-causing free radicals in the human body. Single-malt whiskey is said to contain more antioxidants than red wine.
READ MORE: Celebrate International Tea Day with homegrown rooibos
8. Stroke prevention
As with all the health benefits of whiskey, the key is to consume in moderation. Because of its blood-thinning properties, a daily shot of whiskey can lower a person’s risk of ischemic (clot-caused) stroke.
7. Whiskey treats the common cold
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You probably grew up hearing that drinking a hot toddy is a great remedy for a cold. Unlike other home remedies, this one has its basis in science. Whiskey acts as a decongestant by dilating your blood vessels, while the honey, lemon and herbal tea in the hot toddy have anesthetic properties and can loosen mucous.
6. It’s a stress reliever
You’ve probably headed to the bar after a bad week at work to try to erase your troubles, but you may not know that a shot of whiskey can actually help you relax. The barbiturate effect of the alcohol can reduce stress, and also has sedative properties to help you sleep if you’re experiencing anxiety. This is why whiskey is a classic choice of nightcap for badasses the world over.
5. Lowers the risk of dementia
If you’ve ever woken up from an evening of heavy drinking unable to remember what you did the night before you may not believe it, but a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that drinking one to six drinks weekly could lower your risk of dementia over and above avoiding alcohol completely.
4. Aids digestion
Whiskey has historically been used as a digestif in many cultures throughout the ages. If you’ve had a heavy meal, an after-dinner shot may be just what you need.
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3. Helps prevent diabetes
Whereas consuming alcohol is not recommended for patients with diabetes, studies have shown that long-term moderate alcohol intake can help the body regulate insulin, which could potentially reduce your risk of contracting Type 2 diabetes. However, heavy drinking can increase your risk.
2. Can soothe a sore throat
Maybe it’s the whiskey river that gave Willie his sweet voice, because it’s certainly good for a sore throat. Mix whiskey, warm water and honey to make a delicious cure for a sore throat. The alcohol in the whiskey acts as an antiseptic and numbing agent on aching tonsils and the honey creates a thick coating that will help the healing effects last longer. You can gargle it, sip it or both if you like.
1. Prolong Your Life
A 2010 study released by the Research Society on Alcoholism found that middle-aged and older adult moderate drinkers had a lower overall mortality rate than heavy drinkers or even non-drinkers.
Source: http://www.wideopencountry.com
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