Brandy Benefits
The interesting health benefits of brandy include its ability to slow the signs of aging, control weight, reduce respiratory issues, boost heart health, improve sleep patterns, treat certain types of cancer, and strengthen the immune system.
What Is Brandy?
Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that has been around in some form or another for centuries. The name actually comes from a Dutch word “brandewijn” and is made by further distilling wine to increase the alcoholic content. The distillation of wine has been occurring since Classic times, but it was not widely understood or propagated until the 15th century. This form of liquor has typically 30-60% alcohol by volume, which can pack quite a punch when drunk in excess. However, it is usually enjoyed as an after-dinner drink, not as something that one drinks all evening, as you may do with wine or beer at a party.
Brandy is derived from wine, yet it is aged in oak barrels, which increases the alcohol content and also gives it the unique color. Many people think of alcoholic beverages as inherent vices, something that is very enjoyable but can also punish you with a hangover, empty wallet, diseased liver, and an addiction. As can be said of anything from sugar to red wine – everything in moderation!
Brandy is much the same, and while it does fall into the category of “hard alcohol”, it is produced in a unique way, is composed of interesting substances, and therefore, offers different benefits and effects, as compared to other types of alcohol. As many people assume that alcohol only harms health, it is important to do your due diligence and see how there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink or two from time to time, particularly if it’s as beneficial as brandy!
Health Benefits Of Brandy
Brandy gives some of the same benefits as wine, although most people are unaware of them. Let’s take a closer look at the important health benefits of this beverage.
Relieves Respiratory Issues
Traditionally, brandy, because of its anti-inflammatory properties had been used as an effective means to relieve respiratory issues, such as a cough or a sore throat. The strong alcoholic content can help to eliminate bacteria and loosen up phlegm and mucus, thereby acting as an expectorant.
Treats Cancer
Although there are certain cancers that are exacerbated by excessive liquor consumption, brandy has been connected to the treatment or prevention of certain cancers. One of the essential components of brandy is ellagic acid, which is a powerful organic compound that can prevent the development and spread of cancerous cells. This is most obviously seen with bladder and ovarian cancer, but this area of research is a new and may increase its importance as a healthy liquor choice for people. This is accomplished by the activation of a certain gene (by ellagic acid) that inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells.
Improves Heart Health
When drunk in moderation, a research has shown that brandy contains a wide range of beneficial antioxidants, much like the wine from which it is derived. This antioxidant potential can actually reduce the amount of negative cholesterol in the heart, helping to balance out cholesterol levels and reducing plaque build-up. Preventing atherosclerosis is one of the best ways to avoid the potentially disastrous effects of heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, the polyphenolic compounds in it significantly reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which eases tension in the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
However, as with any type of alcohol, drinking excessive amount can also be bad for the heart, so caution should always be taken when monitoring consumption. A single glass after dinner is recommended as a safe and beneficial amount.
Induces Sleep
When it comes to alcohol helping you sleep, most people think of drinking too much alcohol and dozing off; however, brandy also has certain soothing, warming, and relaxing qualities that can help to induce healthy, restful sleep. Granted, the high alcohol content will also help the system due to its natural depressant qualities, which is one of the reasons that it is often suggested as an after-dinner drink, in preparation for sleep.
Anti-aging Properties
The antioxidant compounds found in brandy, some of which are attributed to the presence of copper in the aging barrels, can have a strong effect on the body. Antioxidants are organic compounds and substances that eliminate free radicals in our body or neutralize their effects. Free radicals are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism that can cause our body’s healthy cells to mutate or undergo apoptosis (cell death). Antioxidants can help prevent this type of cellular death in the skin, hair, internal organs, and brain, among many others. Therefore, it has been shown to effectively prevent certain types of aging symptoms, including wrinkles on the skin, cognitive issues, poor vision, and other chronic conditions that occur as we age.
Boosts Immune System
For hundreds of years, it has been relied on as a traditional solution for a common cold or flu. The natural warming properties of brandy, mixed with its relaxing quality that induces healthy sleep and the antibacterial nature of alcohol, all make this popular and delicious liquor a boost for the immune system.
Manages Weight
Unlike carbohydrate-heavy alcoholic drinks, like beer, brandy contains no carbs and doesn’t fill you up. It can also be enjoyed as an aperitif, without ruining your appetite, nor does it contribute to the simple sugar breakdown of carbs that can easily be stored as fat, such as those found in beer.
