Brandy, as we know, is a strong alcoholic beverage that is made from a distilled wine or a fermented juice. This drink actually has a lot to say. In the actual fact, it has so many essential nutrients in it, which are all essential for the health. Not only that, these are also what contributes to making the different amazing health benefits of brandy. These include making the immune system stronger, treating various types of cancer, improving the sleep patterns, boosting the heart health, reducing respiratory conditions, controlling weight, and slowing down the signs of aging, among others. Give this article a read and get to learn more about this amazing drink.
Brandy: What is this?
As what we have mentioned above, brandy is a strong, powerful alcoholic beverage or spirit, which is made from the distilled wine or fermented fruit juice. Furthermore, brandy is actually a derivative of wine. Nevertheless, this drink is aged in the oak barrels –this is what increases the alcohol content of the beverage, as well as give it its unique color. Moreover, this particular form of liquor usually has about 30 to 60 percent alcohol volume that may pack quite a punch when you drink it excessively.
In the actual fact, the name ‘brandy’ actually comes from a Dutch term ‘brandewijn’. It is made by distilling a particular wine further in order to increase its own alcoholic content. Some other common names of the brandy are Cognac, Armagnac, and Applejack. It comes in a wide variety, basing on the fruit it is made of. Nevertheless, typically, it is enjoyed as one of the after party drinks and not as something that one person drinks all evening, just like what others do with beer or wine at a party.
Nutritional Facts of Brandy
One ounce of brandy has about 65 calories. On the other hand, the flavored ones have more than 80 calories. Every 1.25 ounce of the brandy makes for a drink. Based on what the Harvard School of Public Health, men must not consume more than 2 drinks and women must limit their intake to just one drink for a day.
Health Benefits of Brandy
Here are some of the most amazing health benefits of brandy:
Rich source of antioxidants.
The brandy has similar antioxidant potential as the 90 milligrams of vitamin C. Furthermore, the rich reserves of antioxidants in it is beneficial in the scavenging activity of free radicals in the body, thus preventing DNA damage.
Helps in managing weight.
Dissimilar to that of the carb-heavy alcoholic drinks like beer, the brandy has no carbs in it and will not will you up. It will not ruin your appetite at all. Furthermore, it doesn’t contribute to the simple sugar breakdown of carbs, which may easily be stored as fat, just like those that are found in beer.
Helps in treating cancer.
Brandy actually has been in connection to treating various types of cancers. As a matter of fact, the ellagic acid in brandy is a gene that constrains the metastasis and growth of cancerous cells. This is mostly seen in the ovarian and bladder cancer. This is one of the best health benefits of brandy.
Possesses anti-aging properties.
The antioxidant compounds in the brandy are beneficial in preventing various symptoms of aging. This includes poor vision, cognitive conditions, skin wrinkles, and some other chronic conditions, which occur as we age. All of these compounds are ascribed to the presence of copper in the aging barrels, which have a strong effect on the body.
Helps in improving heart health.
If you drink brandy in moderation, the antioxidant properties of brandy will be beneficial in reducing the amount of negative cholesterol in the heart. This is essential in balancing out the cholesterol levels and reduce the plaque buildup. Moreover, the polyphenolic acid in it reduces the cardiovascular system inflammation significantly. This eases the tension in the blood vessels and helps lower the blood pressure, thus preventing stroke and heart attack.
Helps in inducing sleep.
There is a soothing, relaxing, and warming properties in brandy, which is beneficial in inducing the restful and healthy sleep. Moreover, the high content of alcohol in it may also help the system because of its natural depressant qualities. This is the reason why it is frequently recommendable as one of the after-dinner drinks.
Helps in boosting the immune system.
Aside from being a popular and delightful drink, brandy is also a great immune system booster. For so decades, it has been a great solution for flu and common cold. It has a particular warming properties combined with a relaxing quality, which induces sleep.
Side Effects of Brandy
Just like any other alcoholic beverages, you must consume brandy in moderation only. The excessive intake or addiction to it may cause some side effects, just like as follows:
- Hypoglycemia
- Alcohol addiction
- Liver, heart, kidney, and various organ damage
- Hangover
Always take brandy in moderation. Consult your doctor first before you try and drink it
