Interesting uses and benefits of gin that will surprise you

Gin is a distilled alcoholic beverage that acquires its powerful flavours from juniper berries. A 100 gms of gin only contains 263 calories and no saturated fats, carbs or sugar. The spirit is associated with some amazing health benefits (stay calm, but it might make you live longer!). Before it became a spirit people so enjoy, it was used for medicinal purposes. India also has a history of using a concoction made with gin to combat malaria. There are many other reasons why gin can be helpful for several aspects of your health.

Gin is a spirit that can be used in diverse ways. It is not supposed to be consumed neat, and a supplementary drink is required to mask the bitter taste. Thus, gin and tonic are the best matches for each other in terms of drinks. You can also use gin in a variety of cocktails. Gin is also used in food. Products like gin and tonic cakes and pancakes are very popular.

When compared to other alcoholic beverages such as beer and wine, gin has a significantly lower calorie count. Per shot only contains 96 calories and if you mix it with a light beverage such as tonic water or diet lemonade, you will still be on the lower side of calorie consumption. If you are watching your weight, gin is a good choice as it is low in sugar content.

Consuming alcoholic beverages has long been associated with bloating and gastric issues. You will be glad to know that juniper berries and herbs used in gin act as natural diuretics and helps with digestion.

Of course, a triple of gin and tonic can’t be a replacement for medication, but juniper berries have long been used to treat conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. Raisins steeped in gin have been used as a treatment for joint pain.

The juniper berries in gin contain flavonoids, which can clean clogged arteries. It can also reinforce the connective tissues of the veins. Having moderate amounts of gin every day (one small glass) can decrease the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases.

Diabetic people should avoid alcohol, but gin is considered still a better option for people suffering from type 1 of the disease. However, the mixer used should have absolutely no sugar. Tonic is the best choice. They MUST consult with the doctor before taking any drinks, gin including.

Here are a few interesting facts about gin that you may not be aware of-

• The dominant flavour of juniper berries is the classifier for a drink to be eligible for being called ‘gin’.
• Gin contains botanicals such as liquorice, coriander, cassia, lemon peel and orris root apart from juniper berries. Even basil and peppercorns are used in some varieties.
• Gin can be used in innumerable combinations and cocktails such as martini, negroni and G&T.
• Gin goes perfectly with curry as the none overwhelms the other and the flavours go together beautifully.
• There is a day dedicated to celebrating the taste and goodness of Gin! The next one is on 13th June 2020!

Warning: Do not consume more than the recommended amount of Gin as increased alcohol intake is directly linked to cardiovascular diseases and increased risks of heart attacks.