Barley, rye, corn and wheat…with base ingredients like this, it stands to reason that whiskey would naturally be healthy for you, correct? Although there’s been some debate on this over the years, (mostly between husbands and wives) there’s little doubt in the whiskey enthusiast’s mind that no matter what ails you, this is the cure! All jokes aside, alcohol in moderate amounts has been noted as potentially having positive effects for your health. Here are 5 good reasons to toast the possibility of whiskey being more than just the “hair of the dog that bit you”.
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Whiskey: The Cure for What Ails You?
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1. Sore Throat Soother
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A mixture of whiskey, honey and warm water can soothe the soul, ‘er your sore throat. The alcohol content performs the role of numbing antiseptic for the tonsils while the honey (a natural antibacterial agent) forms a thick coat for the throat, enabling the healing process to last longer. This mixture can be gargled or sipped.
2. Stress Relief
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Many unwind with a glass of their favorite alcoholic beverage, but whiskey, in particular, has a barbiturate effect which has been shown to lower stress. Coupled with its ability to act as a sedative, it can also reduce anxiety and allow for sleep in an otherwise stressful situation.
3. A Cure for the Common Cold?
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The Baby Boom generation, and beyond, grew up on home remedies meant to ease, if not cure common ailments. A Hot Toddy, however, is a beverage designed to counter the effects of the common cold, which, as it turns out, may have been stumbled upon by happy accident. With similar properties to Nyquil, whiskey’s role in this “cure” is a decongestant. It dilates blood vessels, while the lemon, honey, and tea’s anesthetic benefits work to give mucus the heave ho.
4. Stroke Preventative
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Balance is key of course, as it is with all alcoholic beverages, and consumption of whiskey in moderation is no exception. In terms of stroke prevention, whiskey possesses the ability to thin the blood, reducing the possibility of clotting. Subsequently, a shot of whiskey per day can literally keep the doctor away…so-to-speak.
5. Cancer Preemptive
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Due to its ellagic acid concentration, whiskey acts as a powerful antioxidant with the ability to neutralize free radicals, which can be cancer-causing in high concentrations in the human body. Many a study has been completed on the cancer prevention possibilities of red wine, however, single malt whiskey has also been identified to possibly have more antioxidants, thereby equaling, if not usurping red wine’s crown of health benefits. Whatever the benefit, whiskey can continue to usurp while you sip!
