Part 1: Cheers to good health!

You've heard it before. All these naysayers and their rantings about how the drink will send you to the grave. They have even gone on to say that it is one of the 4 vices that will surely do you in. (The other three being smokes/drugs, gambling and women)

There's also talk that if you really want to drink, go for wine. A moderate consumption can aid your health. Well, I'm overjoyed to say that after a short research, there are more reasons now for us good folks to pour ourselves ( and the close friends) a dram or two on a regular basis.

This article is only the first of several articles about the positive effects whisky has on health. (You'd never guess there could be so many good reasons to enjoy the drink)

#1 : Say goodbye to coronary heart disease

Researchers claim that drinking the equivalent of three or four pub measures of scotch can boost the body's defences against the disease.

The research, led by the Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen , found that both whisky and red wine helped to protect against coronary heart disease by raising the body's level of anti-oxidants.

However, it was the whisky drinkers who absorbed a greater proportion of the "phenol" chemicals that provide the protective effect - whisky 1, wine 0!

My recommendation : Laphroaig 10 yo - as phenolic as they can get

Whisky Safe: Scotch is priceless!!!

#2: Whisky cures colds

Not much research done by medical experts here but I'm talking from personal experience, plus my fellow oceanites will surely back me up with theirs as well. Many a time, when I've been under the weather, I've turned to a good single malt whisky watered down with some warm water. As it flows down my throat, slowly but surely, the headaches go away, the sneezing stops, the discomfort of a cold replaced by a feeling of content and mellowness. . The magic, however, comes the next morning when my cold is completely cured.

My recommendation : Highland Park 18 yo - the smokiness of this dram will will clear the cloudiness in your head and tinge of saltiness can only help with the sore throat!

#3: Cancer Prevention

I am not kidding. Actual research has shown that whisky contains ellagic acid, which is a highly effective 'free radical scavenger' that actually 'absorbs' or 'eats up' rogue cells that occur in the body during eating.

What's more is that Single malt whiskies have more ellagic acid than red wine. Hah! whisky 2, wine 0

My recommendation: Balvenie Double wood - simply because I love it!

Even if you succumb to cancer, chances are you'll meet her if you've had whisky!

#4: Gluten Free

People once thought that whisky made from barley/malt contained gluten and should be avoided on a gluten free diet, along with beers, lagers, ales and stouts. It is now known that the distillation process removes all traces of gluten and is safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. So when you walk into a health store and find no single malt in the gluten free section, give them a piece of your mind!

My recommendation: Glenmorangie 12yo - moderately priced for a such a dieter to consider

#5: Stress Reliever

Have you ever been consumed with work or bothered by some personal issues that have caused stress? Again, here a piece of anecdotal evidence.

Oceanites meet almost every Friday, the end of the week that brings with it many frustrations of various sorts. The evening usually starts off with some serious discussions about various issues but I've noticed that every evening that involves high quality single malt, at some point during the evening you feel intensely, almost palpably happy.

This feeling of happiness and completeness is so deep, real and overwhelming, and at the same time so elusive that you realise you have been given a great gift. The conversation becomes light hearted, words acquire meaning and suddenly a lot of things that had appeared confusing find their proper place in your life, and you see the answers that you could not see before.

My recommendation: Isle of Jura 16yo - pure bliss that will melt away all frustrations in life

Look out for the 2nd part coming soon!

Slainte!