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Whiskey is the fastest growing area in all of the alcoholic beverage industry and annual sales figures for the spirit have steadily gone up over the past few years. In fact, the Distilled Spirits Council of the US reports that the entire spirits market in America has been sustained, and the total volume increased overall, in large part thanks to the current resurgence in whiskey.
The immense popularity of the drink is due in part to the many different varieties and blends of it that are available, from Canadian and Irish whiskey to Tennessee bourbon. Add to that the fact that it has a multitude of health benefits, and it’s easy to see why whiskey is currently king.
For centuries whiskey had been used mainly for medicinal purposes. It was popular for the the treatment of smallpox, digestion problems, coughs, tuberculosis, colic, and much more. During prohibition the government even made it available via licensed pharmacies to those who had a doctors prescription.
The medicinal value of the spirit was widely recognized, so much so you could get prescribed whiskey! Below are a few more of the health benefits that whiskey can provide.
Helps prevent weight gain- whiskey contains 0 fat, 0 cholesterol, and the carbs and calories in it are simple so they break down quickly instead of staying on your waistline for years to come.
Aids in digestion- whiskey acts as a natural digestive aid because it stops you from overeating, which can also help with weight loss.
Promotes heart health- it can actually prevent excess cholesterol from building up in arteries by relaxing them, leading to a better functioning cardiovascular system. Plus, antioxidants naturally found in whiskey help to lower the risk for heart attack or stroke by lowering LDL cholesterol, aka the bad type, while increasing good HDL cholesterol levels.
Reduces risk of cancer- whiskey contains more antioxidants than red wine and one type, ellagic acid, has been found to prevent DNA from coming into contact with cancerous compounds, like carcinogens. It also helps to protect the body from the harmful effects of chemotherapy.
Boosts memory and brain health- All those antioxidants mentioned above also make our brains healthier, while boosting circulation, which can lead to better recall ability. There’s also a link between drinking whiskey and a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, although additional studies are needed to explore this more in depth.
Helps you de-stress and relax- a shot of whiskey can help you become less tense and relaxes your muscles. It also helps open arteries up and improves circulation, which takes more stress off your body and leaves you feeling much better.
It’s diabetic safe- because it’s low in sugar it won’t spike blood glucose levels, and a drink or two has been shown to improve the bodies ability to regulate insulin and glucose levels
These are just a few of the ways in which whiskey can help your body and health. The key to harnessing any of these benefits is by using the spirit wisely, never overindulge or drink to excess, and as with all alcoholic beverages, moderation is essential. Check out the video for more information.
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