Are you still recovering from last night’s hangover?
Well, if the party’s over, let’s discuss some of the good and healthy uses of your leftover Old Monk or Captain Morgan. [1]
When it comes to any alcoholic drink, most people have the wrong impressions of it.
For many of them, alcohol leads to death, mental illness, broken families. The allegations are somewhat valid. [2]
But did you know rum is good for you if you take it moderately?
There are alcoholic beverages that you can drink moderately as healthy drinks. But if you want a tasty option, rum is the best one for you.
Here, we will discuss some potential health benefits of rum.
Brief History of Rum
Explorer Marco Polo accounts of a rum-like drink he consumed in Iran in a 14th-century text.
But the modern day rum has its origin in the Atlantic region of Caribbean – West Indies.
The sugarcane plantation slaves of the Caribbean first officially distilled Rum in the 17th century. They discovered that the by-product of sugar; molasses, could be refined into superior quality alcohol. [3]
Rum has a good association with the pirates. The 17th century was the age of sail and colonialism. The British, Portuguese, French, and the Spanish all had colonial interests in the new world. They all sailed on the sea to colonize the new land.
The age gave rise to the pirates in the sea (The golden age of piracy). Rum became a favorite drink among the sea navies and sea pirates.
The pirates would drink rum to ward off scurvy and to preserve dead bodies. Later on, the Royal Navy gave Rum-ration to the private colonizers. Rum was in abundant in their area of operation and became their favorite drink.
Major Nutrient Facts
Rum contains no carbohydrate and fat. You can see the primary nutrients of the drink in the following chart: [4]
- Copper 2.33%
- Iron 0.63%
- Manganese 0.35%
- Zinc 0.27%
- Phosphorus 0.29%
Rum Health Benefits- Based on Research
While excess drinking can be harmful, taking rum in moderation can do wonder to your body.
Let’s see what health benefits you can get from your favorite drink.
1. Rum may Improve Your Heart Health
Rum is quite good for your heart.
A study shows, drinking alcohol in moderation can reduce the level of bad cholesterol. It can boost good cholesterol in the body as well. [5]
Rum can act as a blood thinner and fight against peripheral heart disease. Meaning you can reduce the risk of heart attack by drinking rum.
2. It can Fight Cold and Flu
Common cold such as flu can attack you on any season of the year, which is the most annoying part of the flu.
Drinking a small portion of rum can soothe your throat. [6]
Rum contains anti-bacterial properties, thus help cure throat infections.
You can have one or two spoons of rum every day until you’re completely cured.
3. Rum may Control Diabetes
Drinking rum can keep your risk of diabetes at bay.
Sounds surprising?
Excessive drinking can elevate the level of sugar in your blood. But moderate drinking can keep it in control in the case of decreased blood sugar. [7]
The medical property of rum has proven benefits of lowering the risk of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, consuming one or two spoons of Old Monk will help you with a reduced level of sugar in your body.
Read More: 13 Real Home Remedies for Diabetes (That’ll Actually Work)
4. It can Soothe Your Muscle Pain
Nothing can be more annoying than having a sore muscle.
If you’re always suffering from muscle pain or any joint discomfort, you should depend on rum. [8]
If you drink old monk regularly, it will help elevate the bone mineral in the body. It will further help ease your muscle pain.
5. Rum is a Powerful Antiseptic
It’s not every day you’re prepared for an accident or minor cuts. But, how you’re going to survive if you don’t have any first aid kit with you?
In this situation, rum can be your savior.
Rum contains antibacterial properties. It can clean your wounds and prevent the growth of bacteria. [9]
Applying rum on the wounds can also reduce the pain.
6. It may Prevent Dementia
While too much drinking can damage your brain, moderate consumption of rum can lower the risk.
Rum has the properties to keep your brain stronger and healthier. Thus it decreases the risks of getting Dementia and Alzheimer’s. [10]
Just have one and a half ounces rum per day, and you’re good to go.
Read More: 7 Best Essential Oils for Parkinson’s Disease
7. Rum may Improve Your Libido
Erectile dysfunction is nothing new to a man. However, having frequent ED can be a sign of serious health issues.
Moderate drinking of rum can protect you against erectile dysfunction.
If you drink rum every day, it will reduce your risk of erectile dysfunction by 25-30%. [11]
8. It may Help You Live Long
Yes, you can increase your longevity by drinking rum.
With every 100 grams of rum consumption, you’re getting 230 calories. Meaning there is no carbohydrate or fats in rum.
Besides, drinking rum can reduce your anxiety and increase your life-span by 3-5 years.
9. Rum may Prevent Cancer
It should be the most fantastic thing you’ve heard about rum.
Alcohols are considered one of the main reasons to have cancers. But moderate consumption of rum can lower the risk of it.
Research proved that by drinking a small amount of rum, you could reduce the risk of kidney cancer by 38%. [12]
Drinking rum can also prevent lymphoma and thyroid cancer.
10. It may Lower The Risk of Gallstones
A study showed that those who drink rum in moderation are likely to enjoy a healthy life compared to those who don’t. [16]
You can reduce the risk of having gallstones by drinking two units of rum every day.
Read More: 12 Effective Remedies to Get Rid of Gallstones
11. It may Increase Your Immunity
Rum is rich in antimicrobial properties. It can knock out scurvy diseases more efficiently than any other alcoholic beverages.
Old Monk was served to British soldiers to keep them safe from scurvy.
While you might not be a British soldier, you can also drink a peg or two to elevate your immunity. [13]
12. Rum can Reduce Stress
What can be more relaxing than a chilled glass of cocktail after a stressful day at work?
A single 1.5 oz. of rum can act as a depressant that lowers your anxiety and helps you relax. [14]
Moderate amount of rum can acts as a sedative if you have trouble sleeping.
Read More: 12 Essential Oils for Stress Reduction & How to Use Them
Rum and Its Types
Rum is a distilled alcoholic drink. It comes from sugarcane juice or sugarcane byproducts, such as molasses.
The distillate (a clear liquid) is then stored inside an oak barrel, where it then usually aged.
Rum has a lot of varieties throughout the world. You can understand the age of the drink by looking at the color.
The most popular types of rum are white or clear rum, gold or pale rum, dark rum, black rum, navy rum, rhum agricole, cachaça and many more.
Side Effects of Rum
Some of the side effects or risk factors of drinking rum in excessive amount:
- Alcoholism
- Weight gain and pot belly in men
- Liver and kidney failure
- Frequent urination
- Stomach cancer
Bottom Line
Anything excess is harmful to your health. There are many side effects of rum as well. [15]
Moderate drinking can improve your overall health condition. But excessive alcohol can turn you into an alcoholic in the long run.
Rum contains some beneficial medicinal properties. Drinking rum in moderation may help you maintain a healthy life.
So, next time you order your cocktail, make sure it has rum in it.
Read Next: 12 Health Benefits of Oolong Tea (No. 7 is Incredible)
