Yes, I understand that drinking alcohol isn’t good for you. I know the potential of high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, and more. But I write about alcohol for a living, and drinking it is part of the job. I also enjoy alcohol, specifically whisk(e)y.
Regardless of the inherent health risks, I drink it because I love the nuanced, complex flavor of a well-made, long-matured bourbon or single malt Scotch whisky. I look past the potential health effects because I enjoy it in moderation. What’s better than a glass of neat whiskey on a cool night as you sit by a fire? It wouldn’t feel the same if I were sipping root beer or lemonade instead (no disrespect to non-drinkers).
However, just because there are negative aspects surrounding the consumption of alcohol (specifically whiskey), this doesn’t mean there aren’t positives. Drinking whiskey can positively and negatively impact your life, depending on the amount (and how often) you drink. And while we briefly mentioned the potential adverse health effects, it’s time to find some positives. Yes, there are some health benefits to drinking whiskey in moderation. Keep scrolling as I take a deep dive into some of them.
The health benefits of drinking whiskey in moderation
Before I get started, it’s essential to lay a little groundwork. When I talk about health benefits, I’m not talking to someone who drinks multiple glasses (or cocktails) of whiskey every day.
The USDA and DHHS define moderate whiskey drinking as 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor per day for women and twice that amount for men. Any more than that, you can remove any health benefits because you’re heading down the whiskey-soaked road of health problems, including cancer and liver damage.
Now that we have that covered, it’s time for some positives. Yes, when imbibed in moderation, whiskey has health benefits. Some distilleries even made whiskey for “medicinal purposes” during American Prohibition, and there’s the history of whiskey being used as a cure-all as far back as the 1500s in Scotland.
Cold relief
If you’re anything like me, you’ve imbibed a Hot Toddy or two when you were sick with a winter cold. It’s not just the slight buzz that makes you feel better when you drink one. Whiskey is known to widen blood vessels and help clear out congestion in your chest and sinuses. Doctors actually used to prescribe Hot Toddies to alleviate cold and flu symptoms. Think about that the next time you make a Hot Toddy. Remember that alcohol can dehydrate you, so if you have a cold, make sure to drink lots of fluids as well. I suggest Pedialyte or something similar.
Antioxidants
Whiskey has antioxidant properties thanks to polyphenols. For those unaware, polyphenols are natural antioxidants found in plant-based substances (whiskey is made from barley and other grains). These antioxidants aid in skin care, stop cell damage from free radicals, and more.
Heart health
Yes, drinking whiskey might actually be good for your heart. There have been many studies on this topic, and they’ve found that moderate whiskey consumption can actually help increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol), improve blood clotting, and even reduce the risk of heart disease in some individuals.
Help brain functions
Some research says that the antioxidants found in whiskey can help your brain’s chemical balance. It can help to aid in increases in memory and other brain functions. Having a few glasses of whiskey might even lower your risk of getting dementia or Alzheimer’s disease later in life, some studies suggest.
Immune system
According to multiple studies, you might be surprised to learn that drinking whiskey might improve your immune system. People who drink whiskey are less likely to get the common cold and have a better antibody response than non-drinkers. Moderate alcohol use can also improve your immunity to diseases.
Whiskey might as well be a health drink
You might be surprised to learn that whiskey (besides the alcohol) might be considered a healthy drink. Obviously, I’m at least half joking. That’s because a glass of whiskey has no fat, carbohydrates, and very little sugar. So, if you’re a diabetic or someone who doesn’t want to drink a spirit with a ton of sugar, whiskey is the drink for you. Who needs fruit and vegetable-filled smoothies? Next time you order a glass of whiskey, feel good that you’re drinking a “health drink.”
Bottom line
Obviously, when you pour yourself a glass of whiskey, you know about the negatives when it comes to your health. Hopefully, this article will also clue you in on some of the positives. So now maybe you won’t feel any guilt about sipping that glass of Glenlivet or Woodford Reserve after a long day of work. Just keep it to one or two. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to any health benefits and hello to an epic hangover tomorrow.
