Health Benefits of Vodka

Health benefits of vodka include better cardiovascular health, reduction in stress quotient, relief from tooth aches and bad breath. Its astringent nature helps in keeping the skin healthy and promotes hair growth. Vodka also possesses valuable antiseptic, anti-bacterial qualities, helps in disinfecting the wounds and works as an effective cleaning agent.

Vodka is a popular beverage which is generally composed of ethanol and water. It is a trendy drink which often scores quite well in the bar menu presented in restaurants, parties or small gatherings. Attributing to the versatility of colorless, flavorless vodka which merges seamlessly well with other drinks without disturbing or neutralizing the flavor of the additional ingredients, makes it one of the preferred choices almost alcoholic beverages.

It is used in the preparation of a variety of popular cocktails such as vodka martini, vodka tonic and Bloody Mary. The name ‘vodka’ evolved from ‘vodka’, a Slavic word which literally means ‘water’.  Vodka 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 like potatoes, grapes and soybeans.

Traditional preparation of vodka usually aimed at maintaining an alcoholic value of 40% by volume. At present, the alcoholic content in vodka produced in different countries varies depending upon the standards set by them. The European vodka maintains a minimum alcoholic content of 37.5%; while all the Vodka sold in the United States maintain a standard of minimum 30% alcohol by volume.

Origin of Vodka

Historical origination of vodka still remains a topic of discussion and debates attributing to the lack of enough evidence available regarding its instigation. Some sources advocate the initial production of vodka to have occurred in Russia around 9^th century while others convey that it may have happened in Poland around 8^th century. For a number of centuries, the vodka drink has been there quite differently from what it is today. This attributes to the fact that during earlier times, the spirit was originally used as a medication and was quite different with respect to its aroma, appearance and flavor present today. The alcohol content present in the spirit was just 14% which is the maximum amount that can be managed using natural fermentation process.

Apart from being a hangout drink, the medicinal relation of vodka which 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 the recent decades, scientific research has supported the affirmative effects of consuming moderate amounts of vodka on the human metabolism.

Health Benefits of Vodka

Vodka beverage is appreciated for its exclusive therapeutic value both as a consumable medication as well as an external lotion which can be topically applied on the body. Health benefits of vodka which can contribute fruitfully in a range of health conditions have been discussed as under:

Aids in reducing stress: Among a range of alcoholic drinks present on the bar table, vodka may have better relaxation effect on an individual. As supported by scientific findings, vodka helps in decreasing the stress factor in the body more efficiently than other boozy drinks such as red wine. It has sleep inducing properties and has a calming effect on the brain.

Vodka: word of caution

Although vodka may contribute in the above mentioned health benefits, however excess consumption of alcohol in any form enhances the risk of major diseases associated with multiple organs such as brain, liver and pancreas. It can interfere with the healthy functioning of immune system, elevate blood pressure, may lead to stickiness in the platelets or narrowing of arteries resulting in obstruction in the passage of blood implicated in cardiovascular diseases. Excessive intake of vodka may lead to faster heart beat attributing to its stimulatory effect on the adrenaline hormone. This can also lead to intake of excess air in the lungs and stimulation of liver to secrete more glucose in the blood. Over-production of adrenaline hormone in the body may cause excessive tiredness and general body fatigue.

Alcohol intake during pregnancy may result in fetal alcohol syndrome, a mental impairment in the babies caused due to its excessive consumption.

Certain medications which are used for treating diabetes, digestive problems and heart diseases may also interact with vodka. It may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. It is always advised to consult a doctor and read the instructions carefully while taking such drugs. Drinking before driving may hamper alertness and enhance 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.