Gin is an alcoholic spirit that gets its primary flavor from juniper berries. It has been a popular beverage in Europe and some other countries for over 1000 years.
Apart from being just a refreshing drink, gin possesses some incredible health benefits, considering what it is made from. [1]
While it may sound surprising for alcoholic drinks, gin was used as herbal medicine as early as the middle ages.
With juniper berries as its main ingredients, gin is the most natural spirit available on the market. These super berries are rich in nutrients and can fight infections, improve blood circulation, prevent heart disease, and many more.
If you are interested to know how drinking gin can benefit you, keep reading.
How Is Gin Made?
Gin is produced from various substances such as rice, seeds, wheat, and other alcohol like vodka as a base.
This grain mixture creates pure ethanol that is redistilled in the presence of juniper berries and some other natural botanicals, providing the juniper as its predominant taste. [2]
Health Benefits of Gin
While there are no micronutrients or macronutrients found in gin, some other ingredients in it such as juniper berries, coriander seeds, etc. can provide numerous health benefits. [3]
1. Gin May be Good for Your Kidney.
While drinking alcohol is considered harmful to your kidneys, gin does the opposite.
Juniper berry, the main ingredient in gin, is a natural diuretic that helps stop water retention in your body and lets more water pass through your body. [4]
This results in harmful toxins and bacteria that you consume with alcohol being flushed out of your system, which may protect your kidney.
2. It Aids in Digestion.
Unlike other alcohols, gin does not leave you feeling bloated. Instead, it can work as a digestive, thanks to the juniper berry it contains.
In a study published in 2007, juniper berry was shown to work as a digestive aid. [5]
Drinking a moderate amount of gin after a large meal can increase the stomach acid secretion and digestive enzymes that help to break down food.
3. Gin Can Fight Cough.
The oils found in juniper berries help to expel the mucus in the throat and aid in lung congestion, thus can alleviate cough. [6]
The best part of gin is, that you can mix it with other herbs like lemon and ginger which can help ease a sore throat, congestion, and cough.
4. It May Aid in Weight Loss.
With 97 calories per shot, gin is considered one of the lowest calorific alcohol.
Besides, juniper berry can help break down your food by increasing the number of enzymes. Drinking a small amount of gin can actually boost your metabolism. [7]
However, don’t mix it with tonic water as it will add more calories. Keep it neat if you want to lose some weight.
5. Gin Can Keep Your Skin Healthy.
A moderate amount of gin can help you achieve healthy and younger-looking skin.
It’s because, juniper berry is rich in antioxidants, which can smooth out wrinkles, improve the elasticity of the skin, and keep your skin cells healthy.
A 2018 research has confirmed the antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities of juniper berry. [8]
6. It May Soothe Arthritis.
Gin-soaked raisin is one of the most popular home remedies for arthritis, and there are good reasons for it.
The ingredients used to make gin can help to relieve gout and achy joint. Besides, the alcohol coupled with juniper berries may treat chronic pain and inflammations associated with arthritis.
Research published in the journal Cogent Medicine concludes that juniper berry can work as an anti-inflammatory agent. [9]
7. Gin May Increase Longevity.
While consuming alcohol typically leads to several life-threatening illnesses, gin may reduce the risk of those diseases.
Free radicals in your body can cause diseases like cancer and reduce your lifespan. The antioxidants found in juniper berries can fight free radicals, thus protecting you from those diseases and increasing longevity. [10]
8. It May Treat Malaria.
Back in 1800, gin and tonic were developed to make the taste of quinine more pleasing. [11]
If you live in a place where malaria is an epidemic, you can consider having gin and tonic. While it won’t replace your traditional quinine medicine, its antioxidants can help boost your immunity.
Side Effects and Risk Factors
Just like other alcoholic drinks, the gin also has some side effects. Most of these happen due to the overconsumption of this beverage. [12]
The common side effects include:
- Hangover
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dehydration
Besides, while moderate drinking of gin can improve your heart health and reduce the risks of cancer, excessive drinking can do exactly the opposite.
Conclusion
While it’s quite unusual for an alcoholic drink, gin can provide numerous health benefits. It’s because gin is made of natural ingredients, and all of them are loaded with nutritious properties.
However, you’re not suggested to replace your medicine cabinet or a regular healthy meal with a bottle of Bombay Sapphire. Only a moderate amount of drinking can ensure a significant amount of health benefits.
