It’s true! Gin is good for you.

Thanks to the signature ingredient – the juniper berry – which is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, gin contains a host of health benefits that most people are not aware of.  

Gin has, in fact, been used as a herbal remedy since the Middle Ages. It originated as a medicinal liquor created by monks and alchemists in Europe and was used to treat a host of health problems.

And while we’re not health professionals, Dr Google tells us that your evening gin could be helping you digest your meal, stay trim and keep you looking young… Here are 8 good reasons to enjoy a tipple tonight.

1. Low in calories

There are approximately 97 calories per 30ml shot of gin, which is good news for your waistline. Compared with wine, beer and other spirits, gin is one of the least calorific alcoholic drinks. Just choose your mixer wisely, as mixers can add calories. Try it neat or mix with soda water or low-cal tonic.

2. Good for your skin

It could be time to ditch the anti-wrinkle cream. Juniper berries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C which both help boost the regenerating cells in your body for smoother, healthier looking skin.

3. Aids digestion

The bitters used in gin can improve digestion as they increase stomach acid and digestive enzymes, helping to break down your food after a big meal.

4. Helps fight off a cold

Juniper berries are high in vitamin C which helps fight infection. The natural oils in juniper berries can alleviate excess mucus and ease lung congestion.

TIP: Add a few slices of fresh ginger to your gin to help soothe a sore throat.

5. Won’t trigger hay fever

Being a clear spirit, gin doesn’t contain histamines – the pesky chemicals that irritate the nose and itch the eyes. Gin also doesn’t contain sulphates which may trigger hay fever.

6. Banishes the bloat

Juniper berries are a natural diuretic so they prevent water retention in your body. This can result in some of the more harmful toxins in alcohol being flushed out of your system, protecting your kidneys.

7. Reduces inflammation

The ingredients used to make gin, combined with the alcohol, may be effective in relieving chronic inflammation, such as gout and arthritis. Gin-soaked raisins are a popular home remedy and easy to make.

GIN-SOAKED RAISINS: Simply place some raisins in a shallow bowl, pour over enough gin to cover them and let them soak until the gin has evaporated (about one week). Store in a jar and eat 10 raisins daily to see benefits.

8. You can skip the hangover

And the best bit… most gins comprise of 6 to 10 botanicals and not much else. Combined with an uncomplex distilling process, gin doesn’t contain bi-products such as methanol, therefore you are drinking a more ‘pure’ form of alcohol without the additives.

 

So, pour yourself a gin, it’s time to drink to your health.

NB. And even though you might be excited by the health benefits of gin, always drink in moderation.