Whiskey: The Healthiest Spirit on Earth? - Oak & Eden (2024)

FAQs

What whiskey has the most health benefits? ›

Lower Your Risks of Cancer and Heart Disease With Whiskey

The whiskey with the highest amount of antioxidants is single-malt whiskey. Some top-shelf recommendations for a smooth-tasting single-malt are Laphroaig and Glenfiddich.

Overall, the type of alcohol you drink has less bearing on your health than how much and how often you drink it. The downsides of drinking too much whiskey every day are similar to drinking too much alcohol in general. Side effects of drinking whisky every day include: Weight gain.

To get the most health benefits from whisky, drink single malt — it contains more antioxidants and ellagic acid than blended whiskeys, which combine several malts with wheat and/or corn.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Whiskey

Whiskey contains ellagic acid, which can potentially reduce bodily inflammation and lower the risk of obesity. Again, it's crucial to remember that these potential benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

No matter which of these drinks you consume, alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream and passes through your liver for detoxification. However, alcohol is toxic to the liver. That means prolonged alcohol abuse, no matter your drink of choice, can damage this vital organ.

According to the CDC (see their Frequently Asked Questions page on alcohol), 2 drinks of 1.5 oz of hard liquor (like whisky) per day is the maximum level of normal consumption. So it depends on the size of your servings. If you're talking about one shot, then 2 is okay and 3 is too much, again according to the CDC.

Heavy alcohol use is also linked to depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence. Because your liver breaks down alcohol in your body, heavy drinking can lead to liver disease. High amounts of alcohol cause fatty deposits in your liver and scarring, which can eventually cause liver failure.

“It doesn't matter what beverage if you have a high risk, it's all about the amount,” Klatsky says. “There's plenty of research that shows heavy beer drinkers, heavy wine drinkers, it doesn't matter, they are all at risk of increasing high blood pressure when drinking in excess.”

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.

What are the top 3 healthiest alcohol? ›

Red wine, whiskey, tequila, and hard kombucha are healthier options than beer and sugary drinks. The CDC recommends you limit alcohol to 2 drinks a day if you're male and 1 if you're female.

Moving on from what you should avoid drinking to what you should turn to instead, if weight maintenance is a priority. In this case, vodka should be one of your first go-to drinks, followed by gin, rye whiskey, scotch, bourbon, tequila and brandy. These are the best alcoholic drinks for weight loss.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urination. This can be problematic for men with an enlarged prostate, as it can worsen urinary symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate or a weak urine stream.

Are some types of alcohol better or worse for arthritis symptoms? No type of alcohol has been proven to be worse than another when it comes to the severity or frequency of arthritis symptoms.

Whiskey is made from fermented grains and contains at least 40% alcohol. Studies suggest that moderate consumption of whiskey can have potential health benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, relieving cold symptoms, and improving immunity to diseases.

Whiskey has high levels of polyphenols, plant-based antioxidants linked with lowering your risk of heart disease. The polyphenols in whiskey have been shown to decrease “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increase “good” cholesterol (HDL) levels, and reduce triglycerides, or fat in your blood.

Whiskey is made from fermented grains and contains at least 40% alcohol. Studies suggest that moderate consumption of whiskey can have potential health benefits, such as lowering bad cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, relieving cold symptoms, and improving immunity to diseases.