Vodka is a disinfectant, antitoxin, and antiseptic clean drink with almost zero fat and a good nutritional chart. If consumed moderately, the drink also offers multiple health benefits that help you say “cheers” without any guilt about messing up your health regimen or health in general.
From good cardiovascular health to reducing stress, you can expect some goodness out of this alcoholic spirit. Also, with oral hygiene and toothaches, the drink is proven to be a preferable choice. Now, from skin to hair, Vodka offers many benefits, directly or indirectly.
Let’s get more into the benefits of Vodka and get the answer to one simple question: Is Vodka Good for You?
Also Read: About Vodka’s Shelf Life: How Long Does Vodka Last
Nutritional Profile of Vodka
One fluid ounce of vodka (80 proof) contains:
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 0 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 0 grams
No minerals or nutrients make up the nutritional profile of Vodka. This alcohol has no sugar but has a very minimal amount of calories when combined with other similar drinks. If you are into the habit of taking alcohol and can’t help but look for a healthier option, vodka is your choice of drink. Only be careful of what mixer you choose to dilute your Vodka with because Vodka might not have calories, but the mixer can.
The Good or Bad Story of Vodka
If we fast-rewind years and years ago, Vodka was used as an antiseptic and was treated like a medicine. From reducing fever to a disinfectant, Vodka’s medicinal value was undeniable back then. With passing months and years, Vodka was counted as a recreational drink and it got popularity in the same category.
In the present world, Vodka is now known to be one of the best liquors and also a popular ingredient that’s mixed in cocktails. Now coming to the main question again- Is Vodka Good For You?
Like most alcoholic liquors in the world, moderation is the key, and anything in excess is bad. Now, what is moderation? Depending on your gender, one to two alcoholic drinks per day is considered moderate drinking according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the case of vodka, this translates to one or two conventional shots, each weighing about 1.5 ounces at 80 proof. Vodka might be safe if you regularly consume it within these bounds. Again, if there are underlying health issues, even this much might not be safe for you. Please be considerate of the same.
So, how much is too much depends on YOU. Anything above the recommendation level is harmful, and so is the case here.
Also Read: Who Invented Vodka: A Look Into Its History
8 Reasons Why Vodka Can Be Actually Good
Let’s do 8 shot downs on how Vodka can be a good shot one-by-one:
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It’s a Cure-All
If you aren’t aware, Vodka is a natural disinfectant & antiseptic. From treating toothaches, cleaning wounds, and even cleaning your house, Vodka can be an active agent in all. To your surprise, most of your house’s cleaning agents have Vodka or any other alcohol as one of their primary ingredients. Therefore, the shots not only make you high but have other benefits too.
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A Stress Reliever
You must have heard that wine is good when you have to shed some stress out of your body. Well, unlearn and learn Vodka as a good stress reliever. In fact, studies have also proven the stress reliever benefit of Vodka when consumed in a very limited quantity. Remember, anything excess is bad.
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Good for Heart
When consumed Vodka in the right quantity and in the right way, it can help in good blood flow and circulation. It further leads to preventing clots, strokes & other heart-related issues. In addition, this clean spirit also lowers cholesterol. Coming to the best part, for fitness enthusiasts and people trying to lose weight, your boozing sessions once in a while with Vodka will have no impact on your weight or fitness schedule because it’s also known to be a low calorie alcohol.
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A Good Skincare Product
Are you out of the regular face cleanser you use? Hear this out.
Vodka has the ability to deeply clean your pores and functions as a natural toner or astringent because of its disinfecting qualities. Always remember to first dilute it with equal amounts of water. Additionally, because of its drying and purifying qualities, it will tighten the skin on your face and help with acne outbreaks. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you should be aware of the potential drying effect of it.
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Helps With Good Oral Hygiene
As mentioned above already, Vodka helps in alleviating toothache and it can also help you get rid of bad breath. Therefore, a shot or two sometimes can be a good add-on to your oral hygiene. Again, it’s not a substitute for the regular oral hygiene you practice.
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Potentially Good For Arthritis Symptoms
There was a study conducted which proved that Vodka can also help with Arthritis symptoms. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis when consuming Vodka drinks during a month could feel their pain fading a little. It’s not something that is said, but has been proven with a study.
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It Can Also Help With Diabetes
When compared with beer or wine, consuming Vodka is a better option for diabetes as it can also help with blood sugar level. Remember the straight/neat way is the right way rather than diluting it with high sugar drinks.
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Good For Skin & Hair
Vodka’s astringent properties help in tightening and cleaning pores. Because of this property, Vodka is a main part of cleaners, skin toners, and also anti-acne products for all genders. It’s also rich in anti-toxin properties that help keep the scalp clean and get rid of toxins from hair. Everything together leads to good skin and hair health.
Please note that these are the potential benefits of Vodka with no intention to substitute the medical claims and research behind the drink, both good and bad. Therefore as an adult, make a mindful and informed choice.
Vodka and Healthy Gluten-Free Ingredients
For people who avoid gluten, vodka made from gluten-free ingredients like corn, potatoes, or grapes is very safe to consume. But vodka made from barley or wheat may include some residues of gluten, so you must avoid that if you are following a gluten-free regimen.
Selecting vodkas that are clearly labeled as gluten-free is important for people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. These specifically labeled vodkas are either completely made of gluten-free ingredients or go through gluten removal techniques to ensure that they are safe to drink without the risk of negative responses from Gluten. Thus, to enjoy your drink without concern, look for the gluten-free label while choosing your vodka.
In addition, individuals who follow a low carb diet prefer Vodka over any other drink because it has zero carbs as you must have seen in its nutritional profile. But having said that, never forget to take a note of how it’s going to affect your health in conjunction with your diet and fitness goals.
Potential Side-Effects of Vodka
Now that you have discussed the positives of Vodka, have a look at some of the potential side-effects of Vodka you should be watchful of because responsible drinking is the right way to follow:
- If you are pregnant, no alcoholic drink on this planet can serve benefits to you and your little one. So, a big no.
- It can cause a disturbance in sleep. If you are an insomniac, you should not be consuming Vodka or any other alcoholic drink for that matter.
- If you are a prolonged patient of anxiety or depression, you should refrain from consuming any alcoholic drink, including Vodka.
- If your age doesn’t allow you to have it, don’t have it!
If you are someone who falls under any of these categories, say no to Vodka!
Vodka or Wine’s impact on the liver is strictly dependent on how much and how frequently it’s consumed. When compared, Vodka’s higher amount of alcohol can make you reach the same level of alcohol with fewer drinks. This analysis was to make you aware of the moderation we have been talking about a lot in this blog to reap the benefits of Vodka.
All the benefits that Vodka has are not known to many people, therefore, it was important to make them aware of the positive side of having this neat spirit known to give a clean and neat high. So, when the awareness is clear, people will end up ordering a neat shot of Vodka rather than preferring it with some mixer loaded with no-so-healthy ingredients. So, a happy & safe Vodka shot you all. Cheers!