paddockjudge started a discussion
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Water of Life - Healthful Properties
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valuewhisky replied
May all our afflictions be healed so!
I don't know anything like that, but I do know that whisky causes relaxation and stress reduction for me, which I am certain increases overall healthiness substantially.
I once saw an article (in Whisky Advocate maybe?) that said older whisky has highly concentrated antioxidants - much more so than young whisky, so your theory about oak is probably correct.
11 years ago 2Who liked this?
systemdown replied
@paddockjudge That's a great story, thanks for sharing.
Whisky aged in wood has scientifically proven health benefits as @valuewhisky points out i.e. anti-oxidant phenols (ellagic acid in particular). Given that red wine contains further beneficial compounds from grapes, I would guess that well aged sherry / port / wine matured whiskies would give the best "bang for your buck" in terms of health benefits, seems logical, right?
As far as I'm aware, yes, these beneficial compounds are leeched out of the oak barrels over many years. I believe it's the act of toasting or charring these casks initially that enables the wood to release these tannins which contain the anti-oxidant phenols.
I just read that single malt whiskies can contain more ellagic acid than red wine, so there you go.
To good health! Slainte!
11 years ago 2Who liked this?
JeffC replied
If you scroll down to the section on wood aged spirits, you will see a few links to some studies on their benefits. marksdailyapple.com/low-carb-alcohol/…
11 years ago 2Who liked this?
robsm2013 replied
A good article from the BBC that supports the most obvious case that drinking whisky (in moderation) is indeed beneficial to one’s health!!
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/234957.stm
R
11 years ago 2Who liked this?
NilsG replied
@paddockjudge Great thread, thanks for sharing. I've got nothing valuable to add, just posting so that I'll be notified of new comments.
11 years ago 1Who liked this?
tjb replied
@paddockjudge It's an interesting topic. I think that one one hand placebo is an extremely powerful force. On the other there is a lot of evidence based research to back up that Whisky really does have significant health benefits. I am no expert but have recently read an article which stated that State University of New York stated 1 or 2 whiskies per day give a 50% lower chance of having a stroke and dramatically reduce chance of developing dementia. Also chances of developing diabetes reduces by 30% -40%. Apparently whisky contains ellagic acid which is an antioxidant that destroys cancerous cells.
This all sounds good to me!
11 years ago 3Who liked this?
paddockjudge replied
Thanks to all for the input. There are a lot of studies suggesting that 1 - 2 servings of whisky per day will yield significant health benefits. I'm not taking any chances - I'm going with two!
11 years ago 2Who liked this?
Abunadhman replied
11 years ago 1Who liked this?
Water of Life - Healthful Properties.
I was drawn to this site during my quest to discover the healthful benefits of whisky. What I dicovered instead was a great place to hang out and enjoy whisky talk. I am still seeking information concerning the healthful benefits of whisky. Do you have a story or a personal anecdote to share with our connosr friends?
Paddockjudge's Quest begin almost three year's ago. It was not a calculated play, nor was it something that I believed could be so simple, one which had eluded me for decades. I suffer from atopic dermatitis - itchy rashes, or at least I did until one evening at an eight hour send-off for a co-worker. The bar manager at a local pub is also a co-worker, he moonlights for his uncle when not working at the big firm, so naturally, the send-off was held at the end of a regular work day, and at the pub. A bottle of Wiser's 18 y o was set aside for that night. Needless to say, we put in an extra "shift" that night and being amidst a sea of beer drinkers, I had my way with the bottle of Wiser's18. The next day came quickly and a rather subdued group populated our regular place of work, with many arriving at unusual hours and some not managing to stay the full day. I endured the challenge, and to my surprise, the rash on my arms was disappearing. When arriving at home at the end of the day, I commented to my wife that the 18 y o whisky must possess some magical healing properties. My lovely bride of more than twenty years is not one to pamper me, but within a few hours an unopened bottle of Wiser's 18 y o appeared before me and the command "take your medicine" was barked out. "Yes Sir!" was my reply, to the General.
I have experimented with a wide range of age statements and many different countries of origin, and now believe it is the oak that provides the beneficial healing properties, the whisky is the delivery mechanism. I have been symptom free for three years and experience minor flare-ups when abstaining. My wife has been known to contribute to my whisky cabinet and seldom discourages me from self medicating. A dram or two daily is sufficient to contain the affliction. Eau-de vie? Definitely!