6 Health Benefits of Bourbon (2024)

The majority of the world’s supply of bourbon whiskey comes from the United States, more specifically, the state of Kentucky. Bourbon gets its signature flavor and color from aging in charred oak barrels for at least two years. It has a long history of being associated with relaxation and fun, yet the health benefits of bourbon are sometimes overlooked. Therefore, in today’s article, we’ll discuss six of bourbon’s purported health benefits.

Digestive Health

Consuming bourbon in moderation has been linked to better digestive health. The chemical components of bourbon may stimulate the production of stomach acid, which aids digestion. Maintaining an optimal level of stomach acid is vital for proper digestion and nutritional absorption. If there isn’t enough stomach acid, food could sit there and cause discomfort, bloating, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

There are compounds in bourbon that may help ease stomach aches. These medications relieve indigestion by relaxing the digestive system’s muscles and alleviating cramping and bloating. Bourbon is best when you pair it with great food. Be sure to know the right types of food that go best with bourbon. The excellent food is sure to elevate the experience as well.

Relaxation and Stress Relief

The capacity of bourbon to calm and soothe is one of its most notable benefits. Ethanol, present in bourbon, is a depressant that relaxes the brain and nervous system. Perhaps helpful for calming nerves and stress, this could also bring on feelings of peace and contentment.

In addition, bourbon contains calming ingredients, including lavender-derived linalool and black pepper-sourced caryophyllene. These chemicals have the potential to aid in the reduction of stress and the enhancement of relaxation. This is sure to help you in the long run. If you are moving or have to pack, a glass of bourbon can alleviate the stress and help you find ways to enjoy the process and even look forward to it.

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Antioxidant Properties

Many of the ingredients in bourbon have antioxidant properties, meaning they help to defend against free radical damage. Known as “free radicals,” these chemicals are highly reactive and can damage cells and DNA, leading to many problems, including cancer and accelerated aging.

Chemicals like ellagic acid, polyphenols, and ferulic acid are all potent antioxidants that may be found in bourbon. Substances like this help fight off oxidative stress and free radicals, which can be beneficial in warding off chronic diseases.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

There are a lot of healthy reasons to drink bourbon. One of them is that moderate bourbon consumption may also be good for the heart. 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. Inflammation is a significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease. Thus any measures taken to lessen it could prove helpful in warding off future cardiovascular problems.

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Brain Function

Some research suggests that consuming bourbon in moderation can improve cognitive performance. Chemicals in bourbon may improve mental performance by increasing cerebral blood flow. These medicines boost circulation and oxygen delivery to the brain by relaxing blood vessel walls.

Bourbon’s effect on neurotransmitter activity in the brain makes it a useful tool for enhancing mental performance. The brain’s neurotransmitters are essential for learning, remembering, and other cognitive processes.

Reduced Risk of Certain Types of Cancer

A recent study found that moderate bourbon consumption reduced the risk of developing certain cancers. Ellagic acid and polyphenols, two ingredients found in bourbon, have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties in laboratory studies.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, has been demonstrated to be induced in cancer cells by ellagic acid, and it has also been proven to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Yet, polyphenols can reduce inflammation, which can therefore contribute to cancer development if left unchecked. Just make sure that your bourbon is in proper storage. Experts from helixmove.com advise that keeping your open bourbon in suitable conditions will prolong its life and, in turn, the health benefits it can offer.

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Make sure to practice moderation

It’s important to note that the health benefits of bourbon drinking only apply to modest use. Liver disease, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of several types of cancer have all been linked to excessive alcohol consumption. There are a lot of myths about bourbon that you shouldn’t believe. Some of them state that bourbon is always bad for you, which is not true. As long as you drink in moderation, it can have some health benefits.

A moderate amount of bourbon consumption is one to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women. In addition to a balanced diet and moderate exercise, bourbon can be a component of a healthy lifestyle when used in moderation.

In conclusion

Consuming bourbon in moderation has been linked to various health benefits, including stress reduction, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular benefits, brain power, and reduced cancer risk. Nonetheless, bourbon consumption should be moderated and integrated into an otherwise healthy routine that includes physical activity and nutritious food. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about your drinking habits or the effects alcohol may have on your health.

They can advise you on including alcohol consumption in moderation in a health and wellness plan. Even though there are some potential health benefits of bourbon, heavy drinking has been linked to many adverse outcomes, such as addiction, liver disease, hypertension, and an increased risk of some types of cancer.

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6 Health Benefits of Bourbon (2024)

FAQs

Are there any health benefits to drinking bourbon? ›

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.

What happens when you drink bourbon every day? ›

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.

Is 2 ounces of bourbon a day too much? ›

The U.S. Dietary Guidelines7 recommends that for healthy adults who choose to drink and do not have the exclusions noted above, alcohol-related risks may be minimized, though not eliminated, by limiting intakes to: For women—1 drink or less in a day. For men—2 drinks or less in a day.

What does bourbon do to the brain? ›

Alcohol makes it harder for the brain areas controlling balance, memory, speech, and judgment to do their jobs, resulting in a higher likelihood of injuries and other negative outcomes. Long-term heavy drinking causes alterations in the neurons, such as reductions in their size.

Is it OK to have a shot of bourbon every night? ›

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.

Is bourbon anti-inflammatory? ›

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).

Is bourbon hard on your liver? ›

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.

Will a shot of bourbon help you sleep? ›

Can Alcohol Help You Sleep? Experts do not recommend using alcohol as a sleep aid.

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.

Is bourbon good for your heart? ›

Moderate bourbon consumption can help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Whether you've experienced heart problems or don't have any issues in this field, drinking a bit of bourbon every now and then can be beneficial. During the aging process, the barrel wood releases antioxidants that have many health benefits.

Which is healthier, beer or bourbon? ›

Healthy Eats Winner: Beer takes the trophy for this food fight – it's just easier to control calories. Unless you can enjoy liquor mixed with a non-calorie beverage (like seltzer) or over ice (love my whiskey on the rocks!) it's just too easy to go overboard in those mixed co*cktails.

Is bourbon hard on your kidneys? ›

Alcohol causes changes in the function of the kidneys and makes them less able to filter the blood. Alcohol also affects the ability to regulate fluid and electrolytes in the body. When alcohol dehydrates (dries out) the body, the drying effect can affect the normal function of cells and organs, including the kidneys.

What does bourbon do for the skin? ›

Bourbon contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation, which can help to alleviate symptoms of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Additionally, the natural oils present in bourbon can help to moisturize and soothe dry, irritated skin.

Does bourbon cause high blood pressure? ›

Does drinking alcohol affect blood pressure? Answer From Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, M.D. Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily raises blood pressure.

Is bourbon good or bad for you? ›

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.

Does bourbon turn to sugar in the body? ›

While it is a myth that alcohol metabolizes into sugar, alcohol does significantly affect blood sugar levels, causing a yo-yo effect. Initially alcohol raises blood sugar levels, but after the body processes the alcohol blood sugar levels drop dramatically.

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