The 10 Health Benefits of Vodka

Vodka is a popular beverage made up of ethanol and water. It is a drink that indescribably appears on the menu of bars and present at parties or small meetings. With its colorless color, vodka blends seamlessly with other beverages without disturbing or neutralizing the flavor of additional ingredients, making it one of the preferred options among alcoholic beverages. It is used in the preparation of a variety of popular cocktails, such as caipirinha and Bloody Mary.

The name “ Vodka ” evolved from “ voda ”, a Slavic word that literally means “water”. This beverage is generally produced by the distillation of any plant matter rich in starch or sugar, including various grains such as Corn , Rye , Wheat and other materials such as Potatoes , Grapes and Soybeans .

Traditional vodka preparation typically has an alcohol value of 40% by volume. Currently, the alcohol content of vodka differs from country to country according to the standards set by them. Europe maintains a minimum alcohol content of 37.5%; while all vodkas sold in the United States maintain a minimum alcohol standard of 30% by volume.

Vodka from other countries such as Brazil, Russia, Ukraine and Poland still has 40% alcohol content by volume. Other than alcohol content, vodka can also be grouped into two main groups: flavored vodka and clear vodka . Flavorings, which are added to vodka include Ginger , Cinnamon , Lemon , Red Pepper , Vanilla, some special herbs, fruits and spices and the preference widely varies in different parts of the world.

The historical origin of vodka remains a topic of discussion and debate due to the lack of sufficient evidence about its origination. Some sources argue that the initial production of vodka may have taken place in Russia some centuries ago, while others argue that it may have taken place in Poland. The vodka of the century ago is very different from the one consumed today. This fact is attributed to the fact that during earlier times it was originally used as a medication having its aroma, appearance and taste very different. The alcohol content present in that vodka was only 14%, which is the maximum amount that can be managed using the natural fermentation process.

The medicinal relationship of vodka that existed in the early years of its existence has also been appreciated by the modern world and is used as a medicinal remedy attributing to its positive effects in a range of health conditions. In recent decades, scientific research has pointed to the beneficial effects of consuming moderate amounts of vodka on human metabolism. In addition, Vodka is a carbohydrate-free, sugar-free drink that provides very few calories when consumed neat or without fat-based mixers. It offers no cholesterol and harmful fats.

Vodka is prized for its unique therapeutic value as both a consumable medicine as well as an external lotion, which can be applied topically to the body. The health benefits of vodka that can usefully contribute to a variety of health conditions have been discussed below:

Benefits of Vodka For Stress Reduction: Among a variety of alcoholic beverages present on the bar table, vodka can have the best relaxing effect on an individual. In support of scientific findings, vodka helps lower the stress factor in the body more efficiently than other alcoholic beverages such as red wine. It has sleep inducing properties and has a calming effect on the brain.

Benefits of Vodka For Anesthetic Qualities: Vodka has been extensively used in Russian folklore to cure virtually all ailments ranging from just a mild headache to a common cold condition to a hangover. It is also used to make herbal medicinal extracts to be consumed orally or topically. Extracts are usually prepared by soaking the preferred type of leaves, flowers and stem.

Benefits of Vodka for Toothache Relief: A good amount of vodka can be a great remedy around a sore tooth. Leaving some of the vodka on the gums, they are absorbed and can help reduce pain in the infected area. Vodkasmixed with Cinnamon in specific amounts work as an effective mouthwash and also cure bad breath.

Benefits of Vodka for Heart Protection: Another benefit of drinking vodka is its protective effect against heart disease. It has a dilating effect on the arteries which consequently stimulates the free flow of blood. The unobstructed flows of blood in the cardiac components prevent the development of serious diseases such as stroke and cardiac arrest. It also helps in promoting the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in the body.

Benefits of Vodka For Skin and Hair: Vodka can come to your service as a beauty aid. It works wonderfully on the skin as well as helping to clean the pores due to its astringent properties. Vodka hasbeen found in a variety of botanical beauty items such as cleansers, toners and anti-acne products. It promotes the growth and elimination of toxins from the hair. This drink also helps in treating the problem of Dandruff and is used in the preparation of stimulating hair tonics and conditioners.

Benefits of Vodka For Antiseptic Properties: Vodka has antiseptic qualities that help in preventing the development of infections such as in cases of animal bite. The alcohol content present in the vodka helps in sterilizing the wound. Colorless and tasteless, vodka is useful as an extraction solvent and is used by herbalists to make alcohol-based ointments.

Other Health Benefits of Vodka

• Vodka  helps to heal wounds and disinfect exposed dermis in open wounds.
• Vodka also helps in reducing fever when rubbed over the back and chest area.
• It helps in treating the problem of odorous feet and helps to disinfect them.
• Not to mention the diuretic properties that promote urination and easy flushing of toxins out of the body.
• Moderate amounts of vodka can prove to be a sensible choice when following a no-carb diet or weight loss regimen. The idea is to drink it straight or mix it with something without a lot of calories.

Benefits of Vodka For  Culinary Use: Vodka prevents the dough from making excess gluten. It helps make the dough moist and makes it perfect for a puff pastry recipe. After all that good work, the humble vodka quietly evaporates during the cooking process without leaving any traces.

Other Uses of Vodka:

• Cleaning agent: Vodka works as an excellent cleanser. The alcohol in the vodka helps clean the caulking around showers and bathtubs by killing mold and mildew. It cleans glasses and also extends the life of razors, which are soaked in after-shave vodka. Basically, it kills germs and prevents rust.
• Easy dry cleaning: Sprays made of vodka help neutralize odors absorbed by clothes.

Word of Caution With Vodka:   While vodka may contribute to the health benefits mentioned above, however excessive consumption of alcohol in any form increases the risk of serious diseases associated with various organs such as the brain, liver and pancreas. It can interfere with the functioning of a healthy immune system, raise blood pressure, can lead to stickiness in platelets or narrowing of the arteries, resulting in obstruction of blood flow leading to cardiovascular disease.

Excessive intake of vodka can cause the heart to beat fast attributed to its stimulating effect on the adrenaline hormone. This can also lead to the intake of excess air into the lungs and stimulation of the liver to secrete more glucose into the blood. Excessive production of adrenaline hormone in the body can cause excessive tiredness and general body fatigue. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol syndrome, a mental disability in babies caused due to excessive drinking.

Certain medications that are used to treat diabetes, digestive problems, and heart disease may also interact with vodka . This can increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. It is always advisable to consult a doctor and read the instructions carefully when taking such medication. Drinking before driving can impair alertness and increase the risk of accidents. People who are not able to handle or react with nausea, vomiting or any other symptoms even after a small drink should refrain from drinking alcohol at all.

Moderate alcohol consumption is what forms the basis for all the scientific studies that advocate the effectiveness of vodka in various health conditions. However, a medical agreement is always advisable before considering vodka for therapeutic relief. Typically, people mix vodka with sugary juices that can accentuate the drink’s calorie count and negate the low-calorie attribute. vodka itself is a clear drink with fewer additives compared to other darker alcoholic drinks. On the whole, a sage stake of vodka can provide substantial health-related benefits and makes a perfect guilt-free drink to enjoy.

Moderation is the key to your health with vodka .