The 10 Possible Health Benefits of Drinking Scotch Whisky

Could whisky be healthy for you? As the gentleman's drink of choice, whisky can be an enjoyable treat, so it’s no wonder that many people would enjoy a tot on the rocks when they get home after a long day of work. While it may seem controversial, studies indicate that drinking a Scotch whisky in moderation could benefit your health. But is this true, or is it an old wives' tale?

This may surprise you, but drinking moderate amounts of whisky can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease as you grow older. A study by Havard showed that a reasonable amount of alcohol in a person tends to raise the amounts of good cholesterol in their blood. This good cholesterol level in your bloodstream is a natural defence, keeping your arteries clear from cholesterol buildup and allowing your heart to function optimally.

Before we get into the details of this point, we need to clarify that whisky is by no means a weight-loss solution. However, whisky contains literally no fat and often has very low sodium levels. To add to that, whisky also has simple sugars, which are usually processed by the body much faster than complex sugars that you’d find in other alcoholic beverages. This makes whisky a much leaner alcoholic alternative to other beverages, promoting weight loss while still providing you with a drink you can enjoy.

If diabetes runs in your family or you’re trying to manage your blood sugar because you have diabetes, then whisky could be helpful when consumed in moderation. Some studies have shown that drinking whisky can help your body regulate insulin and glucose levels better. This is because the simple sugars in whisky are easier to process, which helps stabilise your blood sugar levels.

Life can be stressful. Between work, family, and other commitments, it’s easy for stress to get the better of you. A glass of whisky is known to take off the edge a little. It’s no secret that alcohol has a calming effect on the nerves. Having a glass of whisky after a long day at work can help you relax and unwind, which is especially helpful for individuals who struggle with anxiety or have a high-stress lifestyle.

While whisky can be good for you and take the edge off, it’s also important to remember that when drunk in excess, it can pose a greater risk to your health. Alcohol abuse is serious, so we urge you to err on the side of caution and to drink whisky in moderation to enjoy it.

You’ve probably heard someone order a hot toddy before, but if you haven’t, it’s an alcoholic beverage with whisky that clears out your sinuses as you feel a cold coming. Specifically, this combination of hot water, whisky, honey, and lemon is one of the best preventatives for stopping a cold before it sets in properly. At the least, it will certainly relieve your symptoms for a bit and will definitely wake you up!

While there is still a lot of research required to make this conclusive, there is some evidence that suggests that drinking whisky can reduce the chances of developing dementia. This study showed that those who drink whisky moderately tend to be half as likely to develop dementia as those who don’t drink at all and those who overindulge.

Digestive issues are common, whether they’re chronic or self-inflicted. By eating too much, drinking a bit of whisky after your meal can actually help settle your stomach. This is because whisky helps stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which gets your stomach moving more efficiently and makes you feel more comfortable. This not only helps break down the whisky itself but also aids in digesting that massive feed you just had. It’s a bit like a natural digestif, easing bloating and helping you feel better after a big night at the table.

Finally, studies have shown that whisky thins your blood. This benefits you by significantly reducing the risks of blood clotting. If you have an internal injury, the blood naturally clots to stop you from bleeding. Unfortunately, if this clot spreads to another part of your body, like the lungs or heart, it could be extremely dangerous. A glass of whisky a day can thin your blood, reducing the chance of blood clots forming to the point where they are dangerous.

While whisky may benefit your health, that doesn’t mean all whisky is made equally. We recommend checking out this helpful page from The Whisky Club for a range of Scotch whisky that will enthral your taste buds. This page offers guidance and suggestions to help you find some of the best Scotch, and you can even join the club to get access to an award-winning whisky every month.

Drinking whisky in moderation can be a great way to relax. At the same time, it also has other benefits, like helping you fight the symptoms of the flu, acting as a digestive aid, or even reducing blood clotting by thinning your blood. So, to answer the questions we started with, drinking a whisky can boost your health, but in moderation.