10 Benefits of Drinking Bourbon - Bourbon Classic (2024)

FAQs

10 Benefits of Drinking Bourbon - Bourbon Classic? ›

Similar to the health benefits of wine, whiskeys have high levels of polyphenols. This reduces bad cholesterol and increases levels of good cholesterol, also known as High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Bad cholesterol is what leads to heart disease, as it clogs up the blood vessels.

Similar to the health benefits of wine, whiskeys have high levels of polyphenols. This reduces bad cholesterol and increases levels of good cholesterol, also known as High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Bad cholesterol is what leads to heart disease, as it clogs up the blood vessels.

Whiskey's potential health benefits are associated with low to moderate amounts. Over time, high alcohol consumption can increase your risk of chronic disease and other health issues. Whiskey's heart benefits come with small doses. Heavy alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

A note on drinking level terms used in this Core article: The 2020-2025 U.S. Dietary Guidelines states that for adults who choose to drink alcohol, women should have 1 drink or less in a day and men should have 2 drinks or less in a day. These amounts are not intended as an average but rather a daily limit.

Experts do not recommend using alcohol as a sleep aid. While many people report that alcohol helps them fall asleep, it ultimately compromises sleep quality and quantity by causing sleep disruptions later in the night.

As with all the health benefits of whiskey, the key is to consume in moderation. Because of its blood-thinning properties, a daily shot of whiskey can lower a person's risk of ischemic (clot-caused) stroke. You probably grew up hearing that drinking a Hot Toddy is a great palliative for a cold.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Evidence suggests that the ellagic acid in bourbon can help inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Plaque buildup in the arteries, caused by oxidized LDL cholesterol, is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The bourbon's polyphenols may help reduce inflammation.

Alcohol is one of several substances that can damage your liver. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause fat to build up in your liver. This can lead to inflammation and an increase in scar tissue, which can seriously impact your liver's ability to function as it should.

More recent evidence suggests that the safest amount of whiskey is none at all. Moderate consumption of whiskey is defined as: Up to one whiskey per day for women. Up to two whiskeys per day for men.

What makes whiskey a go-to for those who are health conscious is the antioxidant properties of the drink (which prevent cellular damage), the presence of anti-inflammatory chemicals (which can reduce pain and swelling), and the concentrations of chemical compounds (which can help reduce cholesterol levels).

Why is bourbon so addictive? ›

Many people find it alluring due to its unique taste and smell. It also has a special aging process that can add to its appeal. All of those factors can contribute to it being the most addictive type of alcohol. For some people, it's possible to develop an addiction to bourbon whiskey after only one drink.

Alcohol is generally made up of the same compounds, so beer and hard liquor both pose similar risks to a person's health. The only catch is that hard liquor comes with a higher threat because it contains a higher alcohol content than beer.

If you're at all familiar with the world of whiskey, you've likely seen people prepare their glasses with a splash of water. Adding water to your whiskey may seem like a risky thing to do, but it can actually make the whiskey more flavorful by mellowing out its harsh burn.

People have used alcohol to relieve pain since ancient times. Laboratory studies confirm that alcohol does indeed reduce pain in humans and in animals. Moreover, recent research suggests that as many as 28 percent of people experiencing chronic pain turn to alcohol to alleviate their suffering.

If what you're looking for is the lowest-calorie, lowest-sugar alcohol, you'll want to stick with clear liquors, registered dietitian Alex Aldeborgh says. This includes vodka, gin, rum, tequila, soju and sake, among others, which will generally have less calories and less sugar.

That's because alcohol disrupts what's known as your sleep architecture, the normal phases of deeper and lighter sleep we go through every night. A night of drinking can “fragment,” or interrupt, these patterns, experts say, and you may wake up several times as you ricochet through the usual stages of sleep.

Bourbon is good for your health as long as you use it wisely. To obtain the most benefits of drinking whiskey, be sure to stay hydrated and consume only moderately amounts. If used properly, you'll be surprised about the many health benefits it provides.

Nutrition, served neat

Straight bourbon derives ALL its calories from alcohol (which provides 7 cals per gram (g), BTW), so it doesn't contain any calories from carbs, fat, or protein. Here's the breakdown for a standard 1.5-ounce shot of 80 proof bourbon: Calories: 97. Protein: 0 g.