9. Moderate intake of alcohol may protect you from the common cold
There’s nothing worse than the burning sore throat that marks the onset of a cold. You’re hot and sweating one minute, cold and shivering the next. Sneezes and sniffles invariably follow. There might even be a little coughing as well. Moderate drinking to combat the common cold is something that goes back a long way. Many people swear by a hot toddy as a cure.
There are different ways to make hot toddies, but they all contain a small amount of whiskey or brandy. It’s either added to boiling water, tea or warmed milk. Lemon, honey and cloves are used for additional healing effect.
The hot toddy works for a variety of reasons. It’s believed that because alcohol dilates your blood vessels, it eases some of the inflammation. Alcohol also makes you drowsy. Sleep and rest are the best medicine for a cold, and a hot toddy sends you to dreamland so the healing can begin.
A glass of wine can also play a role in preventing a cold. It is full of antioxidants that boost the immune system and help to fight off infection.