Is whiskey healthy? Health benefits of whiskey

Whiskey is often associated with a gentleman’s drink that is usually sipped with company in a business setting or after a busy day at work. However, the truth is that this alcoholic beverage is among the most popular favourites for both men and women. It can be enjoyed on the rocks but also makes a great cocktail with precisely chosen ingredients.

Although you may already be aware of all of its flavour characteristics and tempting properties, it may come as a surprise that whiskey hides several health benefits. Of course, as an alcoholic drink, consuming too much can be extremely risky for your health, but in moderation, whiskey can help in a number of ways.

So, before you go and buy whisky online, make sure to learn about some of the potential health benefits of whiskey.

5 benefits of whisky that you probably didn’t know about

Research suggests that moderate consumption of whiskey may have some potential health benefits. So if you’ve heard that there are benefits of whiskey before bed, this is not far from reality.

Let’s see why.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of certain diseases, including cancer and heart disease. Whiskey contains several antioxidants, including ellagic acid and gallic acid, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help to protect against these and other health problems.

Heart health

Moderate consumption of whiskey has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. This may be due to several factors.

For example, the presence of antioxidants, which can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body is one of them. Also, the potential to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is known as the “good” cholesterol can further promote heart health.

Brain health

Moderate consumption of whiskey has been associated with improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of certain age-related cognitive problems, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This may be due to the presence of antioxidants and other compounds in whiskey that can help to protect the brain from oxidative stress and damage.

Stress relief

Whiskey contains ethanol, a type of alcohol, which can have a calming effect on the mind and body. Some people find that a moderate amount of whiskey can help them to relax and relieve stress. The art of sipping whiskey as a ritual is not to miss, either. Treating yourself with a good japanese whiskey like the Hibiki whiskey, or with an aged bottle after a stressful day can be considered as an act of self-care.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that excessive drinking can have the opposite effect and can lead to increased anxiety and stress.

Longer lifespan

Some studies have suggested that moderate consumption of whiskey may be associated with a longer lifespan, although more research is needed in this area.

This may be due to the presence of antioxidants and other compounds in whiskey that can help to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These processes are thought to contribute to ageing and the development of certain diseases. Preventing them can certainly have a positive effect on the human lifespan.

How much whiskey a day is healthy?

So what amount of this alcoholic beverage is it okay to have after a long day at work? Is one peg of whisky good for health?

One peg of whiskey refers to a standard serving size, which is approximately 45 ml. It’s a term that can mean different things in different parts of the world, but it generally refers to a small measure of whiskey, typically between 30 and 60 ml. Although it’s generally considered that a peg of whisky is healthy for most, we’ll need to dive a bit deeper to accurately answer this question.

Whether or not one peg of whiskey is good for your health depends on several factors, including your age, weight, overall health, and the frequency with which you drink.

Overall, moderate drinking, which is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, has been associated with some potential health benefits, as the ones outlined above. However, it is important to remember that these potential benefits are only present with moderate drinking.

How to drink whisky for good health

If you discover that whiskey is one of your top alcoholic beverages, here are some tips to help ensure that you are doing so in a manner that is consistent with good health:

• Limit consumption – The most important factor in drinking whiskey for good health is to keep your consumption within a limit. Keep in mind that the definition of a “drink” can vary, but in general, it is equivalent to 355 ml of beer, 148 ml of wine, or 45 ml of distilled spirits, such as whiskey. Opt for a whiskey type suitable for sipping, such as the Lagavulin 16 Year Old, which will not only limit your consumption but will enrich your drinking experience and take it to new heights.
• Drink with meals – Drinking whiskey with a meal can help to slow the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, reducing the risk of excessive drinking and its negative effects on health.
• Avoid binge drinking – Binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time, often leads to health problems, including liver damage, high blood pressure, and increased risk of injury.
• Choose high-quality whiskey – High-quality whiskey in the form of limited edition spirits is less likely to contain impurities or other harmful substances, which can have negative effects on health. Additionally, top-notch whiskey is generally made from high-quality ingredients, which can provide a range of potential health benefits, like the ones we mentioned above. A prime example in this category is the rare Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Year Scotch which has a distinctive richness and complexity derived from the high-quality ingredients and methods of its creation.
• Drink responsibly – Drinking responsibly means avoiding excessive drinking and avoiding drinking and driving. It can keep your drinking experience joyful, healthy, and beneficial.

Now that we’ve concluded that whiskey drinking can certainly come in handy when it comes to health benefits, you may be wondering what type of whiskey to choose. We offer a wide range of options, from Irish to Japanese whiskey and everything in between. Check out our online catalogue and experiment to find the perfect option for you. When shared with good company, whiskey can truly make your day a whole lot better, can ease your mind, and contribute with diverse health benefits.