Besides being known for getting you buzzed, whiskey has some surprising health benefits, and it is considered one of the healthier forms of alcohol. While whiskey must, of course, be consumed in moderation, it is relatively low in carbohydrates, cholesterol, and sodium. Whiskey is thought to help more with weight loss than other alcohols, like beer, due to the lack of fat, and the simple sugars it contains being broken down into energy. Studies have even shown that people who drink small amounts of whiskey on a regular basis have a nearly 50% less chance of having a heart attack or stroke.

Whiskey has also been found to reduce clotting of blood, as it is considered a blood thinner. The drink also contains high levels of ellagic acid, an antioxidant compound that helps prevent diseases and even possibly reduce chances of cancer and premature aging. The antioxidants also help with the immune system, whose job it is to fight against colds and infections. Ellagic acid is known for being able to fight against free radicals inside the body, which can slow the effects of dementia or reduce the likelihood of suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Consuming moderate amounts of whiskey can also aid in your body’s capability of regulating levels of insulin, which is thought to reduce the odds of getting diabetes by up to 30-40%.