Gin is a delightful spirit that stars in many a beloved cocktail. After all, where would we be today without the gin and tonic, the martini, the gimlet, or my personal favorite, the Negroni?
But as it turns out, it's not just good for your emotional health at the end of a long day, it's also good for your physical health.
The earliest printed recipe for the spirit, however, is from the 16th century, in the Flemish work Een Constelijck Distileerboec, written by Antwerp-based physician Philippus Hermanni. See, a doctor wrote about it. It has to be good for you!
Gin's predominant flavor comes from the juniper berry, which is a seed derived from conifers.
The berries are touted for fighting infection, preventing heart disease, improving blood circulation, and even staving off liver and kidney disease.
In other words, gin can keep you looking younger, longer.
The oils in juniper berries can help expel the mucous in the throat, and help relieve achy joints and gout. In fact, the mixture of alcohol and juniper berries can help treat chronic pain and inflammation, like arthritis.
Juniper berries contain flavonoids, which aid in the prevention of heart disease and help improve circulation.
But please do consume it moderately and responsibly, because drinking too much can end up having the opposite effect.
