Health Benefits of Brandy

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Some of the most interesting and unusual health benefits of brandy include its ability to slow the signs of aging, treat certain types of cancer, boost heart health, improve your sleep patterns, control weight issues, reduces respiratory issues, and increases the strength of the immune system.

Brandy

Brandy is an alcoholic beverage that has been around in some form or another for centuries. The name brandy 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 is typically between 30-60% alcohol by volume, which can pack quite a punch when drunk in excess. However, brandy 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.Brandy enjoys some of the same health benefits as wine, although most people are unaware of them. Many people think of alcoholic beverages as inherent vices, something that is very enjoyable, but can also punish you with hangovers, empty wallets, diseased livers, and 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 its as beneficial as brandy! Let’s take a closer look at some of the important health benefits of brandy.

Health Benefits of Brandy

Heart Health: As with many different types of alcohol, brandy can have an effect on the heart. When drunk in moderation, 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 attacks and strokes. Furthermore, the polyphenolic compounds in brandy 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 amounts 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.

Anti-Aging Capacity: The antioxidant compounds found in brandy, some of which are attributed to the presence of copper in some of 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, brandy 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.

Cancer Treatment: 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 an exciting new area that may increase brandy’s importance as a healthy liquor choice for people. This is accomplished by the activation of a certain gene (by ellagic acid) that inhibits growth and metastasis of cancerous cells!

Sleep Issues: 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 brandy is often suggested as an after-dinner drink, in preparation for sleep.

Weight Issues: Unlike carbohydrate-heavy alcoholic drinks, like beer, brandy contains no carbs and doesn’t fill you up. Brandy 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.

Respiratory Conditions:Traditionally, brandy has been used as an effective means to relieve respiratory issues, such as coughs or sore throats. The strong alcoholic content can help eliminate bacteria and loosens up phlegm and mucus, thereby acting as a type of expectorant. The anti-inflammatory properties in brandy can also help soothe the irritation that causes coughing and sore throats.

Immune System: For hundreds of years, brandy has been relied on as a traditional solution for the 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 popular boost for the immune system. It can eliminate pathogens that may be in your system and can boost your immune system with the help of its antioxidants.

A Final Word of Warning: As mentioned earlier, alcohol of any kind should only be consumed in moderation, as it can contribute to serious damage to your liver and other organs, as well as your psychological health, as alcohol consumption can easily lead to addiction. Consume brandy in moderation, but consult with your doctor before adding it in as a regular practice in your life, particularly if you have experienced liver problems in the past, or if you have a history of addictive behavior. Furthermore, if you are suffering from alcohol addiction, or think that you need help overcoming your addiction, speak to friends or family members who can get you the help you need.