5 Health Benefits To Drinking Whisky

To some, drinking alcohol is traditionally considered a vice, something one should abstain from especially by unspoken conventional Asian expectations. But after considering the health benefits of some alcoholic beverages—whisky in particular—drinking may not be that much of a villain after all! Apart from whisky being one of the better-tasting alcoholic drinks around (in my humble opinion), it carries several medicinal benefits as well, adding to its popularity.

Before you continue reading, we have some disclaimers to make. If you are new to whisky and would like to read more on it, click on our article, Beginner's guide to whisky appreciation! As the saying goes “too much of anything is good for nothing”. Hence, please drink responsibly and in moderation! Now, let us read on in the article as we list 5 main health benefits to drinking whisky.

1. Combat heart diseases 

Source: GIPHY

Whisky contains plant-based antioxidants which are specifically linked to effectively combating risk of heart diseases and heart failure. Research has shown that these antioxidants have an effect on increasing the “good” cholesterols that are present, keeping arteries clear from clogging. 

2. Alleviate a cold 

Source: GIPHY

When you feel a cold coming, get yourself a glass of whisky mixed with hot water and lemon, sit back and let the concoction work its magic! The reason why whisky, along with other alcoholic drinks, is able to alleviate your common cold is because it helps to dilate your blood vessels. This in turn clears up the mucus congestion and allows the body an easier way to fight the infection. That said, though it alleviates the situation, it is not a cure and should not be treated as one! 

3. Boost immune system 

Source: GIPHY

Whisky contains ellagic acid, which acts as an antioxidant to remove toxins from your body, aiding in the fight against infections. This antioxidant is also commonly found in berries and plants. There have been studies that link moderate alcohol consumption with better bodily responses against the common cold, such as bacteria being removed faster, as well as improved antibody responses. Truth or not? We’ll leave you to determine this!

4. Improving brain health 

Source: GIPHY

Research has shown that moderate drinkers of whisky were half as likely to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s as compared to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. Small amounts of whisky have also been proven to improve activity in the brain’s neural functions, which are responsible for nervous system functions and memory. Even for those who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, moderate consumption of whisky is proven to slow down cognitive decline, so when drunk wisely it will be of advantage! 

5. Aids in weight loss 

Source: GIPHY

Though we often hear of drinkers attributing weight gain to having a “beer belly”, whisky is somewhat different. In addition to it being great tasting, whisky is a low-calorie, low-carb and almost zero-fat alcoholic beverage that is a great substitute for those on a diet who would still like to enjoy a cup of alcohol. The production process of some whisky may also mean that the sweetness is entirely due to the oils and compounds in the drinks rather than sugar and other artificial sweeteners, making it a healthier option compared to other drinks. 

Source: GIPHY

Alright, now that you know of the major health benefits of drinking whisky, it’s time to get started! While you may be overwhelmed by the variety of choices out there, you can read more about the different types of whiskey in our article over here! If you are more interested in hands-on learning from an expert, you can check out Culturally’s workshop on Whisky Appreciation! (Pssst, if you’re planning a boozy teambuilding but want to pass it off as a healthy exercise, maybe list some of these benefits too!) Remember though, only in moderation! 

•     •     •

At Culturally, we offer customised hands-on cultural experiences for you and your loved ones to enjoy and have fun whilst learning about other cultures! Book your Culturally experience here

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more!