The following health related article was originally posted by Bourbon Classic, a week long celebration of the Bourbon, Culinary, and Cocktail Arts in Louisville, Kentucky. There are limited tickets remaining for the 2024 Bourbon Classic (Friday & Saturday, Feb 23 – 24),which include Friday’s “Chef & Mixologist Pairing Competition“ and Saturday’s “Bourbon University” followed by the grand finale “TASTE”. Grab them while you can!
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Bourbon lovers everywhere – rejoice! Here are 10 (alleged) benefits of how bourbon can actually be good for your health. However, all studies are SUGGESTIVE. And please remember, this applies to those that drink in moderation. Be sure to always drink responsibly, and never when behind the wheel.
1. Reduces Stress Levels
Stress has become such a big part of everyday life, especially over the last 3 years. In fact, it is the leading cause of premature death. The good news is that a drink of bourbon has been shown to calm nerves and reduce stress.
2. Improves Your Immune System
Bourbon is full of antioxidants, which eliminate free radicals and keep your immune system healthy. These antioxidants come from the ellagic acid in bourbon, which helps protect you from contracting illnesses from viruses or bacteria.
3. Prevents Blood Clots
Blood clots can be very dangerous, leading to heart attacks, strokes, or other serious health conditions. However, bourbon (allegedly) is good for your heart and helps you maintain a healthy circulatory system.
4. Reduces Your Risk of Cancer
Besides the antioxidants from the ellagic acid in bourbon, another benefit is that it helps prevent your DNA from connecting with cancer-causing agents, therefore reducing your risk of developing cancer.
5. Helps Control Type 2 Diabetes
Another win for the ellagic acid in bourbon. A study done by the Harvard School of Public Health found that moderate amounts of bourbon can help protect the body against Type 2 Diabetes. Participants of the study that drank between half a drink and up to four drinks per day had a 30% reduction in their risk for developing diabetes.
6. Improves Cognitive Function
The National Institute of Health found that bourbon actually reduced the risk of developing dementia in adults that consumed one to six drinks per week as opposed to non-drinkers and heavy drinkers. This was attributed once again to the antioxidants found in bourbon.
7. Increases the Amount of Good Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important component of health that needs to be monitored closely. Consuming bourbon was shown to not only increase the amount of good cholesterol in your bloodstream but it was found to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol as well.
8. Relieves Cold Symptoms
Drinking bourbon can widen your blood vessels and help you clear mucus out of your nose and chest. This is one of the reasons why a Hot Toddy is such a popular drink during winter when people typically suffer from the worst of cold symptoms.
9. Reduces the Risk of Obesity
Bourbon is a lower calorie drink when compared to other alcohol. It also has been shown to curb appetite and aid in digestion after meals, lowering the risk of obesity. These benefits are once again attributed to the ellagic acid found in bourbon.
10. Prolongs Your Life
The Research Society on Alcoholism released a study that found those who drank a moderate amount of bourbon had a lower mortality rate than those who abstained from alcohol and those that were considered heavy drinkers.
Research has shown the suggestive health benefits related to Bourbon. Obviously, please don’t overdo it;) Drink moderately and responsibly when the time is right for a pour. Cheers to your health!
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