When GG appeared on the scene, he was a whisky man, but I soon converted him to G&T. I have read several articles recently espousing the health benefits of Gin so I set myself the task of researching if there was any truth at all behind the claims or was it more ’Fake News’.
FACTS
Gin dates back to the Middle Ages, when it was used as a herbal medicine, and King William III, a Dutchman who became King of England in 1689, encouraged the drinking of Gin.
The word Gin was taken from the French word genievre and the Dutch jenever, both of which mean juniper, the plant used by distillers of the era to make medicines for apothecaries.
The most common botanicals used in the production of Gin are:
Spices: juniper, cardamom, liquorice, caraway seed, grains of paradise, cinnamon, nutmeg, anise seed, cassia bark, orris root, ginger and saffron
Herbs: coriander and angelica
Fruit and nuts: lemon, orange, grapefruit and almonds
Each producer of Gin has its own secret mixture of these ingredients, which is a trademark of its brand. The most popular way to drink Gin is with tonic – another medicinal recommendation from the era when the British ruled India and used it as a way to prevent malaria because tonic contains quinine. I guess you would need to drink a lot of G&Ts to be guaranteed remaining malaria-free.
FINDINGS
The main ingredient is juniper berries, a Northern Hemisphere shrub, and it well documented that these berries are eaten by sheep and that they can both prevent and cure dropsy in the animals.
But what about humans, I hear you say. Well, let’s examine the juniper berries themselves which are packed full of health benefits, such as:
- 1. They help fight against infection.
- 2. Also helps reduce the risk of heart attacks because they contain flavonoids which help prevent clogged arteries. They can help increase circulation and maintain vascular health.
- 3. Full of anti-oxidants, they help the fight against wrinkles. Yes.
- 4. They are used to help ease pain of arthritis and rheumatism. So that’s good.
- 5. The berries have a natural diuretic effect and help flush toxins out of the system and ease bloating. I am all for that.
- 6. You can dispense with your Vicks and have a gin instead, as it is supposed to clear congestion and improve breathing.
- 7. It is relatively low in calories 97 seemingly.
- 8. If you are diabetic it is one of the best drinks for you as there are only traces of sugar.
- 9. Your digestive system will thank you as the berries increase enzymes.
So, if Gin is made from juniper berries, ergo, GIN is good for you!
Gin was often called Mother’s Ruin, but I prefer the evidence that points to the fact that it can actually reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood.
I also used it over thirty years ago to help with pain in my back, when I was confined to bed with a disc problem. Painkillers on their own did not work. I was unable to sit up and unable to sleep. So, I used to lie in bed, sucking the gin out of the stylist daughter’s bottle (she was 18 months old at the time!) complete with teat. I can attest to the fact that it eased the pain. My poor mother was worried I would become addicted to painkillers or gin or both. I didn’t.
FAVOURITES
In recent years, I have been introduced to different brands and while there is nothing wrong with Gordon’s or Bombay Sapphire, I must say that I love all the newer gins on the market and have several new favourites. Although I certainly still use Schweppes, I have progressed on to the newer tonics also. No two G&Ts taste the same anymore and it is like coming to a new drink every time. My current favourites are Drumshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Loch Measc Gin from Mayo and Minke Gin made in West Cork.
When out for dinner or away on a break, we like to sample a new gin. Above, you can see two ShortCross gins from County Down (one with elderflower tonic), awaiting us on the bar at Mount Wolseley. Accompanied with strawberries and mint, I can assure you they were delightful.
WARNING
It goes without saying that all alcohol should be taken in moderation.
Julia Child claimed that the key to her long and healthy life (she died aged 91) were red meat and gin. I am not that big into red meat, so I think I will have to up my intake of gin!
This post was first published in 2017 and my love affair with gin continues. I was prompted to revisit it when I read the wonderful Roisin Ingle’s column in The Irish Times Newspaper over a week ago. Most people try to give up alcohol in January, but Roisin is a woman after my own heart. She made it part of her daily routine. Lockdown and January together are tough enough. Now before you get too excited, it is one gin, albeit it is nearly every evening.
It is my one weakness!
Cheers.
And Hello February.
I read every word! And loved it. I used to drink Gin, as it was the only hard alcohol I could stand. I stopped a few years ago and drink red wine. But I love a good G&T on hot days! I’m going to have to check out some of the new gins out there.
Thanks so much Loretta… the new gins are fab..and the tonics. XXX
Gin i. Moderate amounts all the way.
“Chin-chin, a toast to your gin!”
Such a fun and informative article…who knew the benefits of this healthy spirit? I for one, will be adding more gin into my cocktail repertoire – starting this evening as I’ve been hit by a backache. I will, however, be using a glass to sip from and not the bottle and teat you were so fond of back in the day 😉
Thanks for the smiles, Hilda.
Slainte!
Ah Karen.. thanks a mill. Hope that back pain is better xx
Hilda, I loved this Post. My mum loves a G&T before a meal. Bacardi & Coke used to be my poison, but since goin to Spain 🇪🇸, nothing like a G&T in the sun. One of my favs, obviously Hendricks, but have tried, Drumshanbo Gunpowder & Pink Grapefruit, or recently in Marbella, Brockman, with Raspberry & Mint & Fever Tree Elderflower. OMG Heaven 😊😊
I must try this grapefruit..so many are reccommending it. Thanks Sharon for commenting xx
A great read Hilda, I do love a G & T – mixed with tonic and grapefruit! Love it.
We recently went on a Gin tasting day in London – with 6 friends what a fab experience that was – finding out how gin was made, etc etc with a little tasting at the end too. Made for a good afternoon and something just that little bit different!
Nice to see you blog … cheers to many more visits. x
Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
PS Hope my challenge is going well – looking forward to seeing all the posts on Monday. x
Thanks Jacqui. I must try the grapefruit..is it fresh? Need to go on one of these gin tastings. Loved your challenge and now thinking of the next one..
Hilda,
I am so happy you linked this to our link up party!
Gin and tonic is a very healthy drink but I stopped drinking it when I switched to red wine for the health benefits red wine has! LOL!
Yes, always do everything in moderation!
Cheers my friend!
Robin
https://helloim50ish.com
Hi Hilda, I loved your article on Gin. I have been converted to G&T ‘s over the past few years as for most of my family it is their favourite tipple ! Great to know the health benefits also !
My favourite also is Drumshambo Gunpowder , I will add Hendricks with ice and cucumber and I do enjoy Dingle gin with fever tree tonic. Enjoyed the vision of you sipping the gin through that babys bottle !! Anything that eases back pain is worth a shot !! So enjoy your articles xxx Theresa
Theresa I am so pleased to hear from you. And I remember you are an afficiando. Hope to see you soon xx
Loved this very informative and fun article Hilda. I have been converted to G&T ‘s as for most of my family it is their favourite tipple !
Very interesting to read all the health benefits ! My favourite is also Drumshambo gun metal with pink grapefruit . I am partical to a hendricks with a slice of cucumber and ice. Cant leave out Dingle Gin ! While on an Aviators whiskey tour in the Dingle Distillery last year we were all treated to a wonderful large Gin, ice and fever tree tonic !! I am totally now converted to G&T and what fun savouring the many new additions in recent years! Happy February 🍹
Fun post! My favorite mixed drink is a fabulous gin martini two olives! Usually Blue Sapphire. Cheers! Have a great week!
Cheryl
Southwesterndesertliving.com
I must try a martini. Never have.
What a great read Hilda – you have educated me on the benefits of gin, which my mum used to drink. I have had a taste of the new flavoured gins which were very nice, though, I’m a whiskey/ginger girl myself (I blame my grandmother) who introduced it to me many moons ago. I’m such a lightweight now so tend to not drink much spirit. I even have lemonade in my red wine.
I am a lightweight now too. I like a predinner drink. But I am partial to a few glasses of bubbly now and again. x
I LOVED G&T TOO!I discovered them LATE in LIFE!
I was never much of a drinker and now am not drinking at all!
I considered it my SUMMER DRINK!
Now that I know its GOOD for me I may have to give it a TRY!
NOW I LOVE THE FACT YOU ALL SERVE THESE IN A WINE GLASS!
THAT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD TO ME!AS I SERVE EVEN WATER IN STEMWARE!!!!!!
SO much more fun to drink than a heavy HIGH BALL GLASS!
LEAVE IT TO THE IRISH!
YOU DO know my last name is KIRKPATRICK?
HA!!
XXX
Yes any drink in a lovely glass makes it an occasion. Looks and tastes better. But I realise you do that anyway. I drink less than I did. One glass is enough for me. I think it is an age thing…
Gin was always my favourite tipple! I can’t have it now due to my allergies. But that was my choice of drink when I could xx
Ah Laurie, it is my favourite drink. But I do like a glass of bubbly too….
Yes any drink in a lovely glass makes it an occasion. Looks and tastes better. But I realise you do that anyway. I drink less than I did. One glass is enough for me. I think it is an age thing…
Gin was always my drink as well, but as I’ve gotten older, even one G&T makes me feel bad in the morning, so I’ve switched to Vodka. I do miss gin though. You’re right about the different tastes. I see Fever Tree tonic in one of your photos. I like that one as well. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” xoxo, Bogey & Brenda
I find wine and me do not agree!!! Gin is ok…
I know what you’re saying Hilda. Moderate amounts of good fine gin is a delicacy in our home.
Yes moderation is key. Thanks you
I am one of those who gets melancholic drinking gin. Drank gin twice and ended up in tears. No other alcohol has this effect.
I know it has that effect on some people. It is so weird. Stay away from it so!!
I am forwarding this to my daughter, a huge fan of gin, and she turned me onto the lovely spirits while we were visiting Ireland a few years ago.
What I love is trying new gins with different tonics, fruits etc which make them all taste so different. xx
I used to drink Gin until I had a healthy too much!
I had heard that Gin and tonics were very healthy together!
I may have to revisit Gin again!
Happy February!
Robin. It is worth a try. !!!!!
Aren’t the labels and bottles gorgeous? Very aspirational. I enjoyed your post but I have a confession- I don’t like gin. I wish I did, it sounds like a perfect ritual for the end of the day.
So when we meet again it will have to be bubbly…xx
What I love is trying new gins with different tonics, fruits etc which make them all taste so different. xx
What I love is trying new gins with different tonics, garnishes etc which make them all taste so different. xx
This was an interesting read. I have never gotten into the habit of drinking anything (I didn’t even drink coffee till 2 years ago at the age of 43!) so I have never developed a taste for any alcohol really. I do drink the occasional fruity drink when I am out which is only a few times a year.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hi Hilda!
I didn’t know all of those health benefits of Gin. 🙂 I am not a fan but maybe I haven’t had the good stuff!
I didn’t know the health benefits of juniper berries either, so this was interesting! That was great to read it helped with your pain too!
Have a great week!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com