Recently I read about a 107-year-old woman who claimed that her secret to a long life was something I least expected; a daily gin and tonic! I then decided to research this alleged fountain of youth and discovered that several centenarians attribute their longevity to none other than a daily gin beverage - one 100-year-old living in Great Britain named Mabel even admitted to drinking not one but six G&T's a day - that's more servings of alcohol than I would drink in a week!
She told the Suffolk Gazette: “I have two at lunchtime, one at tea time with a biscuit and then three more during the evening while I do my knitting. I swear the gin keeps me young!”
I am sure it does!
Mabel is in good company as it's widely known that the 94-year-old Queen Elizabeth II loves her gin. It’s even reported that she has a daily gin and Dubonnet cocktail before lunch, plus a gin dry martini with lunch - giving a whole new meaning to long live the Queen!
However, like all alcohol, gin can lead to a plethora of diseases. But, here is why it could be OK to consume (in moderation) her Majestys drink of choice.
Your Skin Will Glow. Gin is derived from Juniper Berries, which are rich in essential oils and flavonoids that act as potent antioxidants not only giving gin its distinct flavor but also attributing to a youthful glow by potentially helping to kill free radicals and reduce inflammation.
You'll Have More Energy. Did you know the Greeks were known to give Juniper Berries to their Olympian athletes as they believed it would increase stamina? You don't have to be a rocket scientiest to know that our elders certainly do have some serious endurance - they are after all the greatest generation.
It May Improve Digestion. Perhaps one of the reasons the Queen prefers her gin beverage with lunch is because it may promote digestion by reducing bloating and heartburn after meals? Sounds like a good addition to the meal plan.
It's Anti-Bacterial. Studies on animals have shown that Juniper Berries in gin have powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial qualities. This was especially evident toward Candida species that cause mouth and yeast infections. Extract from the berries also may have antibacterial effects against many bacteria, including Campylobacter jejuni, which commonly cause food poisoning, and Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that may cause skin, lung, and bone infections.
Cheers to Heart Health. To live a long life you need a strong heart and studies in rats suggest that the Juniper Berries in gin reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 57% and 37%, while another rat study found that juniper berry extract increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels as well. Cheers to that!
Of course your health practitioner will always know the right course of action to take to improve your wellness and increase your lifespan. However, the medicinal qualities of gin is certainly something to think about the next time we want to pour ourselves an alcoholic beverage. Just remember, everything in moderation.
Cheers to your health!
Alix
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