Over the weekend we came across a report from 9News out of Chicago. Apparently a group of researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago got together to do a small study about whether or not drinking beer could make people smarter.
Someone actually thought this was research-worthy?
Alright, alright – so the original saying is that an apple a day can keep the doctor away, but the truth of the matter is that brandy may be just as beneficial in maintaining your health and longevity as red wine or beer. The health benefits of brandy are varied, but may just justify this sometimes costly indulgence.
While no doctor will recommend crossing your daily multivitamin off of your list of things to ingest each day, some studies have shown that a single shot of brandy can have a similar effect. Brandy contains enough in antioxidants to act like your multivitamin’s content of vitamin C. It only takes about 30 milliliters of brandy (approximately 1 ounce) to take advantage of this benefit. Your doctor, however, will not recommend skipping your vitamins on the days you indulge. Make sure you do both.
Over in Russia, vodka is a well-known and well-loved national beverage. While it’s just as favored for its strength and flavor in the United States, it wasn’t until recently we started to hear about the health benefits of vodka.
Vodka, believe it or not, did not start its life as a beverage for enjoyment. The term was literally used to describe medications, known as tinctures, made from the elixir. Many of its uses were not internal, but external. In times of war, vodka can be used not only as an antiseptic, but as a mild sedative or diuretic as well. Because it is merely diluted alcohol, vodka has been used as a disinfectant, for both surgical materials and wounds. Imagine having a shot of vodka poured over an open wound because there are no other antiseptic solutions within reach. Ouch!
Every red wine has its own personality – a distinct smell and a bitter, dry, or silky aged taste. We enjoy a nice glass of wine when out for a nice meal, using it to bring out the flavors of some of the best foods, or while relaxing at home with family or friends. Scientists have long been promoting the incorporation of red wine into a healthy diet. They know that the health benefits of red wine, when consumed in moderation, can be life-altering. Here’s why.
The skin of the red grapes used to make red wine contains a chemical called resveratrol. Resveratrol is considered to be an antioxidant. Antioxidants work by repairing damage done to your body’s cells by the oxygen byproducts created in the body by the free radicals in the air. Ingesting high levels of this compound mean your chances of developing heart disease and some types of cancer are decreased.
