Thread: How dangerous is whisky?

I used to smoke 40 a day and haven't smoked at all in 3 years. I lift weights most nights and eat quite healthily. I used to drink maybe once a week max, when I went out to bars etc.

Lately I've discovered single malt. Most nights now I have a small glass of either a blend, single malt or some of that Wild Turkey Kentucky bourbon which I have to say is quite nice.

What I'd like to know if anyone here can answer - is it harmful for the body to have a small glass of whisky on a daily basis, regarding my lifestyle? I can't find a definitive answer on the net, while some say any drinking is harmful, other sources say it can promote health.

I like to hear your views on it.

Many thanks in advance.

Here's what I think:

A glass of red wine a day is supposed to be good. Some say its bad.
A beer a day is purported to help brain function, others say no way.

You don't smoke anymore, you eat healthy, and excersize.....three of the definites that lead to longevity and health.
A small finger of whisky everyday is probably ok....I think you're doing fine.

Excess is going to get you, in that its certainly better to have one small glass a day rather than 8 glasses on Saturday and nothing during the week.

I'm consistent too...I like to have a cocktail before dinner, a glass of wine with dinner, and a night cap.

AFAIK people who drink one or 2 units of EtOH live longer than those who don't drink and those who drink more.

Here is an NEJM that sums it up nicely:

MMS: Error

If a man can limit his intake to one to two ounces of an alcoholic beverage on a daily basis, science now says that it is beneficial to their health. For women it is one ounce daily. I found it difficult to stay within that limit so had to put the plug in the jug. Enjoy your one to two ounces but don't go beyond that and you'll be fine.

I indulge every night in a fine American Craft Brew and/or a small (1 - 2 ounce) glass of bourbon. Usually Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve. I make sure to eat healthy and exercise frequently. Honestly, I have never felt better!

I say as long as it does not exceed one or two drinks a day (preferably one) you're good. I really look forward to my nightly beer/bourbon.

having worked in cardiac surg for 40 yrs,I can tell you one thing,you will never see a long term,raging alcoholic with coronary artery issues (cardiomyopathy,yes).
Research the french paradox,also the benifits of the ability of alcohol to Raise HDL and lower LDL.
That being said,I have been walking this earth for going on 64 yrs,Thru the grace of God,I finally realized about 10 yrs back,I CAN DO NOTHING IN MODERATION,booze,food,sex,drugs (most replaced by, blades,Hones,tools
Are some things in life,some people cannot (should not) Use/consume.
Back to the orig Question,for me,whiskey would be lethal,Afterall,it killed my Dad,My brother,a few of my uncles.
And darn near me.

There is absolutely no scientific proof in what I am about to say, I believe it is all down to metabolism some people have a good tolerance for the physical and mental effect of alcohol, some do not. I can drink strong lager, and Remy Martin until the cows come home, give me couple of scotches and I'm in trouble, I won't touch Gin or dark Rum for the same reasons.

With regard to the long term physical effects I can only speak for myself, I've been drinking socially since the age of 16 I'm now 56 and have suffered no ill effects (according to my last medical!), my definition of socially has been formulated by the English drinking tradition, whereby most working men would be in the pub straight after work for a couple of hours, followed by extended visits to the pub on Saturday and Sunday, however most people I know including myself generally stick to beer, going on 'top shelf' as we like to call drinking spirits would be the exception rather than the norm.

All things in moderation...

Originally Posted by osdset

With regard to the long term physical effects I can only speak for myself, I've been drinking socially since the age of 16 I'm now 56 and have suffered no ill effects (according to my last medical)

Up until about 2 weeks ago I'd always figured that drinking small but regular quantities of alcohol was relatively risk free. Just before Christmas one of my best friends (we're all in our late fifties) was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. I'm certain he's not been a secret drinker, I've known him since we were both 4 years old, nothing about his behaviour has ever suggested that.
I always thought that only heavy drinkers were susceptible. The hospital consultant said that liver damage doesn't usually give much warning, once the symptoms become evident, the damage is most likely irreversible.
Visiting him in hospital most days watching his health rapidly decline has made me cut back considerably. One beer or one glass of wine only in the evening and at least 2-3 alcohol free days every week.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If a man can limit his intake to one to two ounces of an alcoholic beverage on a daily basis, science now says that it is beneficial to their health. For women it is one ounce daily. I found it difficult to stay within that limit so had to put the plug in the jug. Enjoy your one to two ounces but don't go beyond that and you'll be fine.

So, you're saying that half gallon a day thing I've been doing for 59 years isn't working for me?

Dang... better cut back a bit... I might not get my social security.