What is Brandy?
Brandy is a strong alcoholic spirit made from fermented fruit juice or distilled wine. Brandy is derived from wine, yet it is aged in oak barrels, which increases the alcohol content and also gives it the unique color. [
1] This form of liquor has typically 30-60% alcohol by volume, which can pack quite a punch when drunk in excess.
The name actually comes from a Dutch word ‘brandewijn’ and is made by further distilling wine to increase the alcoholic content. [
2] Other common names of brandy are Applejack, Armagnac, and Cognac. It comes in many varieties, based on different fruits. However, it is usually enjoyed as an after-dinner drink and not as something that one drinks all evening, as some may do with wine or beer at a party.
Brandy Nutrition Facts
An ounce of brandy contains 65 calories, while flavored brandy contains more than 80 calories. Each 1.25 ounce of brandy makes for one drink. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, men should not consume more than two drinks daily and women should limit themselves to one drink a day. [
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Health Benefits of Brandy
Let’s take a closer look at the important health benefits of brandy when consumed in moderation:
Relieves Respiratory Issues
Traditionally, brandy, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, had been used as an effective means to relieve respiratory issues, such as a cough or a sore throat. [
5] The strong alcoholic content helps eliminate bacteria and loosen up phlegm and mucus, thereby acting as an expectorant.
A comparative study published by the British Journal of the Diseases of the Chest also suggests that intake of brandy instead of beer, wine or whiskey can help improve the symptoms of asthma. [
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Boosts Immune System
Brandy is a popular and delicious liquor a boost to the immune system. For hundreds of years, it has been relied on as a solution for a common cold or flu. It has natural warming properties mixed with relaxing quality that induces healthy sleep. It is also antibacterial in nature.
Induces Sleep
Dr. Timothy Roehrs, director of research at the Sleep Disorders and Research Center of the Henry Ford Hospital and Dr. Thomas Roth, adjunct professor of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Wayne State University, Michigan, in their research, suggest that lower doses of alcohol help induce sleep in insomniacs. [
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Brandy has certain soothing, warming, and relaxing qualities that can help induce healthy and restful sleep. Granted, the high alcohol content will also help the system due to its natural depressant qualities, which is why it is often suggested as an after-dinner drink. [
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Improves Heart Health
The journal, Food Chemistry, has published a study in 2009 concluding that brandy has antioxidant properties. [
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When consumed in moderation, this antioxidant potential of brandy can help reduce the amount of negative cholesterol in the heart. This helps to balance out cholesterol levels and reduce plaque build-up. Furthermore, the polyphenolic compounds in it significantly reduce inflammation in the cardiovascular system, which eases tension in the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure, preventing heart attack and stroke.
Note: However, as with any type of alcohol, drinking an excessive amount can also be bad for the heart, so caution should always be taken when monitoring consumption. A single glass after dinner is recommended as a safe and beneficial amount.
Anti-aging Properties
The antioxidant compounds found in brandy help prevent certain types of aging symptoms, including wrinkles on the skin, cognitive issues, poor vision, and other chronic conditions that occur as we age. These compounds are attributed to the presence of copper in the aging barrels, can have a strong effect on the body. Antioxidants help prevent cellular death in the skin, hair, brain, and internal organs, due to dangerous free radicals. According to Dr. Gordon Troup and his team from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, a shot of brandy consists of the same antioxidant potential as 90 mg of vitamin C, which is known for its anti-aging properties. [
10] These health benefits are said to be derived from the copper used during distillation, which only gets enhanced with the quality of the brandy.
Anticancer Properties
Brandy has been linked to preventing the growth of various cancers. The ellagic acid (a powerful organic compound) in it activates a certain gene that inhibits the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. [
11] This is mostly seen in the bladder and ovarian cancer, and although this area of research is new, it may increase brandy’s importance as a healthy liquor choice for people. [
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