The Whiskey Cleanse: The benefits of whiskey
A gold silky, yet subtle sweet honey-scented and a light spicy finish just hits the palate right. It’s all the right combinations for a great way to end the day. The beautiful thing about Whiskey(Whisky) is not that it only taste good but it has many health benefits that you would not think exist in such a drink.
How it’s made
Before we talk about what the benefits are and how often or how much we should drink it, lets talk about how its made.
There are many different styles, those style are dictated by countries. A few of them would be Irish, Japanese, American and so on. My top 2 would personally be from the Japanese and Irish.
The process of making whiskey respectively goes by Malting, Mashing, Fermentation, Distillation(Pot still, Column Still), Maturation and Bottling.
Malting: Secretes enzyme that converts the grain starches to sugars. Types of grain used in Whiskey is barley, rye, corn or wheat.
Mashing: Sugars extracted; this is known as a Wort.
Fermentation: Mash/Wort comes in contact with yeast, which takes the sugar and converts into alcohol. Different yeast strains and timing play a role in the taste and smell. The ABV gets around 7%-10% here.
Distillation: Where the ABV increases. There are two types of distillation, Pot Still or Column Still
Pot Still — Known as a batch process where some types of whiskeys use a double distillation or are distilled 3 times. Where it ends up with around 60%-70% ABV possibly even lower.
Column Still — Known as a continuous still, which is more efficient than a pot still. An ABV as high as 95% can be achieved.
Maturation: Just like wine, whiskey is aged in wooden barrels, preferably used or a new charred oak. A minimum age would be about 2 years or however long that’s desired. Some are not even aged or aged for even less than a year.
Bottling: Bottled at minimum of 40% ABV or more.
The benefits
Improved memory & Cognitive Function — Whiskey contains antioxidants that improve your brain. The alcohol improves blood circulation by thinning but boost brain power and small amounts of ethanol improves memory recall.
Lower risk of heart disease — a small amount (amounts will be discussed later) of alcohol raises “good cholesterol” in your blood.
Helps fight cancer — from the grain that was chosen in the malting process it contains ellagic acid which binds to cancer cells and minimizes growth.
Promotes weight loss — No sodium content, low sugar(0%), little to no carbs. The simple sugar in whiskey makes it easy for the body to process which helps promote weight loss.
Lower Stress Levels — Not meant to be abused or over consumed but to mildly alleviate stress levels.
Control of risk to Diabetes — Regulates insulin and glucose levels because of the simple syrup in the drink makes it easy for the body to process. This reduces the chances to get diabetes by up to 40%!
Lowers risk of Dementia — A study from 2003 published by the National Institute of Health says that adults who consumed one to six portions a week were half as likely to suffer dementia as non-drinkers and heavy drinkers.
Helps digestive system — Whiskey stimulates your enzymes in your stomach which helps get your digestive system to move fast. I usually take it after the last meal of the day.
Reduces Blood Clotting — Whiskey is a natural blood thinner because of the alcohol.
Boost Immune System — With the tough times of COVID-19 pandemic, a boost in the immune system is what we need. The ellagic acid in whiskey assist with that.
A plan
Typically the best choice of a diet is a low carbohydrate diet, I like to end my day sometimes with a steak, some greens and a side of whiskey. I personally think it ties perfectly well with a steak.
After a long stressful day I usually pour, 1.5–3 fl oz on the rocks(that’s .18-.37 cups) and NO MORE. We are not getting turned up here. A bottle usually last me about 10 days. I continue doing this at least once a month.
Even though you’re are drinking so little and not feeling much of a difference mentally or visually as would happen if you consumed an excessive amount. Your body is benefiting beneath the surface and over time you will notice a difference.
What to be aware of
Corn! While corn is beneficial in many ways. Using corn as a grain in whiskey making process is similar to that of making corn oil. Not to say that corn oil is the same as corn whiskey, it is not.
Corn oil can cause health risk due to high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fats. I do all necessary things to avoid it. Bourbon is a big one to stay away from although it does taste good, it contains at least 51% of corn in order to be identified as bourbon.
Stay away from high ABV’s, aim for the 40% ABV range. There is no need to add any higher amounts and will certainly eliminate those other options.
My Top 2 Whiskeys
Irish Whiskey — TULLAMORE D.E.W. ORIGINAL 40%ABV
Japanese Whisky — Suntory Whisky Toki 43% ABV
In summary
Now that we know how whiskey is made, Malting, Mashing, Fermentation, Distillation, Maturation and Bottling. The various health benefits such as boosting immune system, help fight cancer, promote weight loss and reduce stress levels and many more. Look out for 40% ABV and a Barley, Rye or wheat whiskey. Stay away from bourbons and corn whiskeys. The low-carb meal plan with the inclusion of whiskey at the end of your day. Remember drink 1.5–3 fl oz a day and no more. Go on! And get your whiskey on!
