Is Whisky Bad For You?
Also Known As: whiskey
Short answer
While in large amounts whisky can be addictive and destructive to your body and lifestyle, in moderation it can actually benefit your health in many ways.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Originally distilled for medicinal purposes, it is no wonder that whisky is one of the most beneficial alcohols out there. Of course, any alcohol when consumed in excess can be detrimental to your mind, body and social life. However when whisky is consumed on a more conservative basis, such as a couple ounces per week, it actually works to protect your body from a variety of ills that can affect you as you age.
Whisky contains ellagic acid, an antioxidant that protects against cancer by promoting apoptosis, or cell death, specifically in cancer cells. This can prevent cancer from spreading, and is linked particularly to the protection against prostate, breast, and bladder cancers. Ellagic acid can also reduce inflammation found throughout the body, and may consequently help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
A couple shots of your favorite whisky can also help prevent the development of Alzheimer's and dementia. It can reduce your risk of blood clots, which in turn can lower your risk of experiencing a stroke or heart attack. It may also help regulate blood sugar and reduce the risk of diabetes (or be a good choice of drink if you are already living with the illness). It is also a great alternative to beer or sugary cocktails if you are watching your weight, as it won't give you that beer gut you want to avoid.
Keep in mind that all of these good effects hold true when whisky is consumed in moderation. It is always a possibility to develop a dependence on, or addiction to alcohol, which can have severe consequences on your life. All social relationships, work, hygiene, good nutrition and health can take a backseat to getting a buzz. Moral and ethical values can be compromised, and your risk of traumatic or fatal accidents and liver disease skyrocket. Limit your intake to a reasonable amount and you will see nothing but the good of this drink.
Possible short-term side effects
- intoxication
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impaired reasoning and judgment
Possible long-term side effects
- alcohol addiction
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liver disease
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cirrhosis of the liver
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death
Benefits
- protects against cancer
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reduces inflammation
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will not cause weight gain
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helps prevent alzheimer's and dementia
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decreases risk of stroke and heart attack
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decreases risk of blood clots
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may help to regulate blood sugar
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 02-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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