If you are looking for an alcoholic drink with a pleasant buzz and health benefits, you should look no further than gin! Gin is often overlooked regarding its wellness properties, but the truth is that this beloved spirit can pack a surprising punch of beneficial ingredients.
So while you look for gin at an online liquor store, it is best to research for more information about its potential health benefits. But since you’re here, we got you covered!
What Is Gin?
Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from juniper berries and other botanicals. It is typically clear in colour with a strong taste of juniper, which can be tempered by adding other spices like coriander, citrus peel, liquorice root, nutmeg and cardamom. Its flavour is unique among other spirits, with an earthy yet slightly sweet finish.
A good gin should have a balance of sweet and bitter notes. The depth of flavour depends on the type of botanicals used, as well as the distillation process. Regarding nutrition, the gin contains about 60 calories per shot with zero carbs, fat or protein. So if you want a drink that won’t add too many extra calories to your diet, this is the way to go.
Different types of gin range in flavour and strength. The most common are London Dry Gin, Genever (a Dutch style), Old Tom Gin, Navy Strength Gin, Plymouth Gin and Flavoured Gins.
- London Dry is the most popular type of gin thanks to its versatile taste. It often has a strong juniper flavour with other botanicals like coriander, angelica root, cassia bark and liquorice root.
- Genever is made with malt wine and juniper berries for a sweeter taste.
- Old Tom Gin is similar to a Dutch-style genever as it contains malt wine, but it also features more intense aromas and flavours due to added spices like cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Navy Strength gin contains more alcohol (57-60% ABV) and has a fuller body than other types.
- Plymouth Gin is made from 100 percent grain alcohol and features a light, tart taste.
- Flavoured gins are also popular as they contain additional ingredients like citrus peel, lavender or cucumber to give them an extra kick of flavour.
Which Gin Is the Healthiest?
Gin is a low-calorie drink with some beneficial ingredients, but moderation is key. Too much alcohol can cause dehydration, decrease cognitive ability and strain your liver. It is best to consume no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
Studies have shown that drinking gin in moderation has the potential to offer several health benefits. These include improved heart health, reduced inflammation, strengthened immunity and better digestion.
What Are the Health Benefits of Gin? (In Moderation)
In moderation, the potential health benefits of gin include:
#1. Delivers Antioxidants
The juniper berry, one of the main ingredients in gin, contains beneficial antioxidant compounds that can help protect your cells from oxidative damage. Antioxidants are known to reduce inflammation and reverse some signs of ageing.
#2. Lowers Cholesterol
Gin contains natural compounds that can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol. This helps keep your heart healthy and prevent serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.
#3. Promote Heart Health
The antioxidants in gin can help improve your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Alcohol can also help thin your blood, improving circulation and reducing the chances of artery blockage.
#4. Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels
Gin contains natural compounds that help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce insulin sensitivity. This can be beneficial for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes, as it helps prevent spikes in blood sugar.
#5. Lowers the Risk of Cancer
Gin contains many compounds that can help reduce inflammation and fight off cancer-causing cells, and recent studies have even shown that it can help reduce the growth of drug-resistant prostate tumor models. This could lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as breast or colon cancer.
#6. Promotes Digestive Health
A healthy digestive system is an essential part of overall health and well-being. The juniper berry, one of the main ingredients in gin, can help improve digestion thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Juniper berries contain compounds that can reduce inflammation in the gut, fight off bacteria and support healthy digestion.
#7. Helps with Weight Management
If weight loss is your goal, consider including gin in your diet. Gin contains fewer calories than other drinks, and its natural compounds can help reduce cravings and boost metabolism.
#8. Reduces Inflammation
Gin contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body. These compounds have been linked to improved joint health, better digestion and lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
Final Thoughts
Gin is a low-calorie alcoholic beverage that contains several beneficial compounds. Moderate can offer several health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation. If weight loss or better digestive health are your goals, gin can be an excellent addition to your diet. However, as with all alcoholic drinks, it’s important to ensure you drink in moderation.
If you plan on drinking gin regularly, be sure to consult with your doctor beforehand. This will help ensure that you reap the full benefits of this drink while avoiding any potential consequences of overindulgence.
