Health Benefits of Drinking Alcohol: Different Types of Liquor and its Advantages

We have often heard that consumption of alcohol is injurious to health and may contribute to several ailments especially related to heart. According to a recent study, drinking more alcohol is associated with a higher risk of stroke, fatal aneurysm and heart failure. Well, anything in moderate should be okay. Some doctors even recommend that a certain amount of alcohol is good for health like red wine is believed to be good for your heart. Drinking small amounts of alcohol during a meal is the right way to go about it. There is a wide array of alcohol available in the market and each of them have their own set of benefits.

Different Liquors & its Advantages

Red Wine

• Lowers the risk of heart disease or stroke: Small amounts of red wine are linked to more health benefits than any other alcoholic beverages. Drinking small amounts of red wine may reduce the risk of heart disease by retaining the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol in blood. Drinking one to three glasses of red wine per day, may reduce the risk of stroke in middle-aged men.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Studies have shown that moderate consumption is linked with a decreased risk of several cancers such as colon, ovary and prostate cancers.
• Miscellaneous: Other health benefits include reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, reduced risk of depression, reduced insulin resistance and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in women.

Whiskey

• Weight Loss: Whiskey is one of the healthiest alcoholic beverages as it has no fat and very little sodium. It does contain calories and carbohydrates but in the form of alcohol and the small amount it does contain is simple sugars that are quickly broken down to be used as energy for the body. So, if you are on a restricted diet and still want to enjoy your drink, choose whiskey on the rocks and keep sipping it.
• Reduces internal blood clotting: Atherosclerosis which usually occurs due to a large build-up of cholesterol, can combine with blood clots to result in thrombosis, heart attacks, strokes and death. Whiskey is a blood-thinner, hence, it significantly lowers your chances of excess clotting. It also increases the amount of HDL cholesterol which counteracts the effects of LDL cholesterol, further protecting your heart.
• Boosts Immune System: Antioxidants and trace levels of vitamins in whiskey stimulate the immune system, thereby helping to fight off normal cold, illnesses and infections. The best results are when a little whiskey is added to a glass of warm water with a dash of lemon.

Beer

• Healthy kidneys: Research has revealed that beer is good for keeping our kidneys clean. Drinking a bottle of beer increases the chances of not developing stones in the kidney. Regular consumption of moderate amount of beer affects the cholesterol levels and decreases bile concentration, leading to a reduced risk of developing gallstones.
• Increases bone density: Moderate intake is shown to increase bone density, thereby preventing the risk of fractures. The silicon present in it is readily absorbed by the body to protect against osteoporosis.
• Prevents anaemia: Beer is a good source of vitamin B12 and folic acid, a deficiency of which may lead to anaemia. Vitamin B12 is also essential for maintaining a normal growth, good memory and concentration.

Vodka

• Stress reducer: Vodka can reduce stress as it has sleep-inducing properties that can relax the body and calm the brain.
• Heals arthritis: Studies reveal that vodka can help heal symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Vodka works well is because it helps reduce inflammation.
• Aids digestion: Moderate consumption of vodka has been used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and relieve digestive issues.

So, now you see that drinking alcohol is not all that bad for your health after all. However, the key is moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can have adverse side-effects specially your liver. Also, many people associate consumption of alcohol directly affects weight gain. Most of tend to binge on junk food or snacks when drinking, popularly called as ‘chakna’ in India. This is the primary reason why many people who drink have pot bellies. Watch what you eat and also keep in mind to never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 14, 2018 08:56 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).