Before modern medicine and research, pharmacists would make up concoctions in the backroom of their main street pharmacies, mixing up elixirs and tonics said to heal whatever ailed you. Coca-Cola, which originally contained cocaine and kola nut, got its start as a tonic for common ailments. Then during Prohibition, permit-holding physicians (which included veterinarians) would prescribe patients medicinal alcohol for ailments such as depression, asthma, and even cancer. But are there any actual health benefits of whiskey?
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A number of publications including WebMD and Livestrong share some of the potential health benefits of drinking whiskey which include:
- weight loss
- controls diabetes
- heart health and lowers the risk of heart disease and heart attack
- Decreases Risk of Ischemic Stroke
- Reduces Risk of Cancer and battles free radicals
- Lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease
- Increases Longevity with antioxidants
- Boosts Immune System
But they all seem too good to be true.
Which Health Benefits of Whiskey to Beleive With a Grain of Salt
While a shot of whiskey won't substitute the health benefits of a salad, there have been a few studies that have noted how a moderate amount of alcohol could be beneficial. According to a Harvard study, a single drink of whiskey may help ischemic strokes and heart health. But it all relies on the alcohol intake and sticking to moderate drinking, which is noted as 1 alcoholic drink per day. In the case of a glass of whiskey, it's a 1½ ounce pour. But go over that moderate alcohol consumption and all the health benefits of whiskey are essentially moot. No surprise, heavy drinking is extremely harmful to your health.
Potential Risks of Drinking Whiskey
If you've ever been to a bar, gone to a party, or turned 21, you've probably been in the presence of binge drinking. Affecting 1 in 6 adults in the United States, binge drinking alcoholic beverages is more common than one might think.
Binge drinking is categorized as drinking at least 8 alcoholic drinks during an occasion. These heavy drinking sessions pose risks that include violence, unintentional injuries such as a car accident, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, and exposure to STDs.
So would I say drinking whiskey is a good health choice? Only for mental health under the condition it's 1 glass of single malt drank by the fire while wearing a smoking jacket. Other than that if you are looking to be healthy, grab a green smoothie.
READ MORE: Heineken 0.0 and the Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beer