Malts aren’t too far behind wines regarding being a healthy drink. A few studies have found that drinking whisky in moderation has several benefits, such as helping your heart stay healthy and helping you keep your weight. Here are a few good things about putting your drink on the rocks.
Whisky has played many roles in history, from being used as an antiseptic for battle wounds to being the best thing to keep a cold away. In 1918, when the Spanish flu spread through the United States, doctors and other people on the front lines would drink malts to keep from getting sick. They also told patients to take small amounts to ease their symptoms and improve their hearts and lungs.
In 1920, when Prohibition made it hard to get alcoholic drinks, the only way to get a bottle was through a doctor’s prescription. Whiskies have become known for more than just their complex, smoky taste. Several studies have been done on Uisge Beath, which means “water of life” in Gaelic. These studies examined how a daily dram of Uisge Beath compares to healthier habits. And even though drinking too much will hurt you, drinking in moderation might help you live longer. Here are a few ways whisky is good for your health.
Diet-Friendly With No Fat, Carbs, Or Sugar
Especially if you drink liqueurs or craft beer, you can gain weight quickly when you drink alcohol. A glass of whisky, on the other hand, has less than 200 calories and no fat, carbs, or sugar. In fact, most whisky glasses have about 90 calories. Having your daily dram with ice or a splash of water will help you keep your weight steady or do well on that diet so you can reach your fitness goals. Surprisingly, compounds in charred barrels, not sugar, give sweet whiskies their flavor. So you can enjoy flavors like fruit, caramel, chocolate, and vanilla without gaining weight.
It Might Help Stave Off Cancer
Antioxidants are still the key to most cancer treatments and ways to prevent cancer. These bust-free radical damages can cause cancer. They are caused by pollution, radiation, and industrial chemicals. Several studies have shown that malts have antioxidants like ellagic acid and that moderate consumption of malts raises levels of antioxidants. So, having one or two glasses can help you live longer. Still, it’s important to note that you can get the same benefits from a fruit bowl.
Lowers Your Risk Of Heart Disease
Studies from Harvard University, the European Heart Journal, and the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have found that drinking your favorite single-malt or bourbon in moderation could lower your risk of heart disease. It might also have this benefit because it has many antioxidants. According to the research, the high levels of antioxidants that come from plants (called polyphenols) lower the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in the body while raising the amount of “good” HDL cholesterol. Triglycerides are fats that are found in the blood. Even compared to wine, a bottle of single malt turned out to have the highest concentration of these polyphenols on the market. The snag? It’s important to drink in moderation because having a few too many can be bad for you.
Protects Against Dementia
Research shows that dementia has been found in about 55 million people worldwide. Every year, this number goes up by a lot. And your glass of Scotch could be the answer. A study found that adults who ate one to six servings a week (a moderate amount) were only half as likely to get dementia. This is true compared to people who don’t drink and drink a lot. Heavy drinkers may increase the risk. Other studies also found that drinking in moderation is good for you. Still, it’s important to note that this isn’t just about whisky. It’s about alcohol in general.
Keep Gout Attacks At Bay
Gout attacks cause sudden, excruciating pain, swelling, and redness in the joints, usually the big toe. Hyperuricemia, caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, can make you feel like your body is on fire. Studies have shown that drinking whisky in moderation can help lower high levels of uric acid. This makes gout attacks less likely and less often.
Gluten-Free
This property of whisky may not seem like a health benefit to most people, but it can be essential for people who can’t eat gluten or have celiac disease. Whisky, anything from bourbon to Scotch, can be made with corn, rye, wheat, or barley, among other grains. But it is caused by letting it ferment and then distilling it. Then, it is aged in wooden barrels. During this process, the mash of grains is heated in vapor and then condensed into a liquid, which separates the alcohol from the solid grains. Because gluten doesn’t evaporate, it stays with the solids. This means that the Celiac Disease Foundation has faith in ambers.