Cognac: Benefits To Your Body And Its Effects On Keto Diet
In terms of Cognac, most people think about its luxurious taste. But are you aware that it also has health benefits?
Cognac is among the pure alcohols that contain zero carbohydrates and less than 100 calories, making it adhere to a keto diet. Additionally, it is known for aiding cardiovascular health and containing antioxidants.
We'll take a closer look at the benefits of Cognac and how they apply to a keto diet. So whether you're a Cognac lover or just starting out on your keto journey, read on for some valuable insights!
How Many Calories in Cognac? | Nutrition Facts
The following information depicts the nutritional facts of a 1.5-ounce standard serving of a 40% ABV or 80 proof Cognac.
| Calories | 97 |
| Total Fat | 0 g DV: 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0g DV: 0% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Potassium | < 1mg |
| Sodium | < 1 mg DV: 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0g DV: 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Zinc | 0 mg |
| Calcium | 0 mg |
| Potassium | < 1 mg |
| Iron | 0 mg |
| Alcohol | 14 g |
The % DV or daily value is a numeric value that indicates how much a nutrient present in a serving of food contributes to one's daily diet. The general nutrition advice is 2000 calories daily.
Is Cognac Okay for Keto Diet?
The Keto diet typically requires a person to have a low-carb intake, paired with moderate protein and high amounts of fat.
A handful of alcohols and drinks are compatible with the keto diet, including distilled spirits such as whiskey, vodka, gin, tequila, rum, Scotch, brandy, and cognac since these have little to no carbohydrates.
However, you must remember that a keto diet is quite strict, and a daily intake of alcohol may negatively impact your progress. Alcohol tends to slow down metabolism and makes you gain weight.
So, if you want to indulge in cognac while you're on a keto diet, only take small portions, like one brandy snifter. Also, don't consume it frequently so it won't ruin your diet and health pattern.
While it is recommended to sip alcohol neat while on this diet, there is still a way to enjoy mixed drinks by making keto cocktails. For instance, if you want to add a mixer to your brandy, you can use sparkling water for keto.
Nutritional Benefits of Cognac
1. Increases Antioxidant Levels
Cognac possesses several qualities that make itself a unique spirit, especially its major antioxidant constituents. Antioxidants are compounds with a role of protecting your cells from damage caused by free radicals. Ellagic, gallic acids and vanillin are just three of the antioxidants found in cognac.
Ellagic acid helps fight inflammation and prevent diseases. It also has abilities that lighten your skin tone. Gallic acids and vanillin also have anti-inflammatory abilities and antineoplastic properties.
Moreover, the antioxidants of cognac are due to the copper found in the barrels used for aging the cognacs. A certain Dr. Gordon Troup and his team from Monash University in Melbourne dedicated time to conduct a study on the antioxidant properties found in brandies.
They found out that a 90-mg vitamin C and a shot of brandy basically have the same antioxidant capacity.
2. Reduces Blood Clot Risks
Platelets are blood cells responsible for stopping the bleeding when you're injured. However, this phenomenon can sometimes be harmful and even deadly instead of being helpful!
Thrombosis occurs when blood accumulates in a vein or artery, which can happen to anyone. Genetics can be the reason behind blood clots, but food contributes to the deterioration of the cardiovascular system too.
The correct serving size of alcohol is said to help with blood clot risks by decreasing the amount of platelet produced in your body. It does so by not letting your body absorb vitamin B12, which is essential for your body to produce enough platelets.
But remember that excessive consumption of alcohol would lead to a very low platelet count, which is also not good for anybody.
3. Improves Heart Health
Just like wine, cognac can also be beneficial for the heart. The facets of cognac that contribute to maintaining heart health include antioxidants, which can lower cholesterol levels in the blood and improve your cardiovascular endurance.
However, like with other alcoholic beverages, drinking Cognac must be kept at a moderate level to prevent further complications. The brandy alone also isn't enough to maintain your heart health. Food contributes to your overall well-being too, that's why it's crucial to organize your daily diet.
4. Reduces Susceptibility of Colds or the Flu
Some people may claim that alcohol can cure colds or the flu, but this isn't entirely true. In fact, when you drink alcohol while having the flu, it may lead to dehydration, which is not helpful for the condition.
However, some studies suggest that moderate consumption of alcohol can prevent colds and the flu rather than cure it. This is partly due to the antioxidant properties of alcohol, like in cognac.
Cognac Nutrition Facts FAQ
1. Is there a lot of sugar in cognac?
Distillers barely add sugar to cognacs. The approximate amount of added sugar in cognacs is 1.5 grams per liter which unlikely adds sweetness to the drink. The sugar doesn't act as a sweetener; instead, it heightens the mouthfeel, rounds the cognac, and emphasizes flavors.
2. Does cognac make you fat?
The beauty about drinking Cognac is that there are only less than 100 calories in one serving, with zero fat, carbs, or protein. This makes the spirit perfect for those looking to maintain their weight!
Like whiskey and vodka, every spirit shares a close calorific value with brandy. But, depending on your lifestyle or how often you consume alcohol, it may lead you to gain weight since excessive alcohol drinking affects your eating pattern.
3. Do different types of cognac differ in calorie count?
Yes, the number of calories in Cognac differs with each type (VS, VSOP, XO, etc.). The calories in each bottle are dependent on its ABV. The stronger a cognac is, the higher its caloric content will be. A gram of alcohol in cognac is equivalent to about seven calories.
4. Does cognac help you go to sleep?
Cognac is a famous alcoholic beverage often enjoyed after dinner or as a nightcap. Some say that brandies or other alcohols can help you prepare for a good night's rest.
This effect has something to do with the ethanol present in the cognac. Alcohol weakens the body's central nervous system, which kind of sedates you, thus, prompting you to go deeper into sleep quickly.
However, you must not rely on alcohol to have a good sleep on a daily basis because it tends to reduce REM sleep. This negatively affects concentration and drowsiness and could lead you to lose more sleep in the long run.
5. Can cognac relieve toothache?
Gargling hard liquor like whiskey or cognac to numb the affected area and ultimately relieve tooth pain is a myth. There is no concrete evidence that alcohol acts as anesthesia and kills bacteria in the mouth.
So if you have some discomforts in your teeth, it is better to steer clear of alcohol and consult your dentist instead.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to enjoy a glass or two of cognac this weekend, go ahead! But be mindful of how much and how often you drink it. To enjoy Cognac the right way and reap some of its benefits, drink it at a moderate pace and amount.
Keep in mind that overindulging can negate all of the good things we’ve just talked about!
Thanks for reading! Did you learn anything new about cognac? As always, let us know should you have questions or comments. And be sure to check back for more posts on all things booze-related!
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