One of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world, whisky has a lot going for it. Now, we’re learning that whisky also comes along with a surprising number of health benefits! Forget your hangover and fill her up. Here’s a rundown of 10 unbelievable reasons why you should be drinking more whisky.

Lose Weight. You have always been warned about the high calorie content of alcohol, but surprisingly, that’s not something you have to worry about when it comes to whisky. Compared to most cocktails and beers, whisky is relatively low in calories as well as sugar, and it works as an appetite suppressant, so you can partake in a drink without worrying about adding to your waistline!

It is Heart-Healthy. In addition to dark beers and wine, whisky is also good for your heart. Due to the antioxidants contained in whisky, it can actually help to lower your cholesterol and thus reduce risk of heart attack.

Fight Cancer. One of the many antioxidants whisky is rich in is ellagic acid. Commonly found in fruits and vegetables, ellagic acid is known to help protect the body’s DNA from carcinogens, as well as the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

Feed Your Brain. Drinking a moderate amount of whisky daily may actually reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. The key here, though, is moderation! Be careful not to drink too much, as an excess of whisky can have the opposite effect and actually increase your risk for brain-related diseases.

Reduce Risk of Stroke. Because whisky helps to prevent the build up of cholesterol, it lowers your risk of having a stroke! This alcoholic beverage also works to help relax the walls of your arteries and promote blood flow in the body, which can also reduce the likelihood of a stroke. Double bonus!

Stress Relief. Sure, we may knock a shot back to relieve a little bit of that daily tension, but whisky can do more than just take the edge off. Because whisky helps with blood circulation, it can actually help to make you feel more relaxed as healthy blood flow means a healthy flow of oxygen in the body.

Boost Your Memory. Note how I keep saying that whisky helps with your circulation? Well, that circulatory help does your body an incredible amount of good, as you may now be aware. In fact, yet another health benefit of whisky and its positive effect on your body’s blood flow is a boost in memory! Better circulation means more blood to the brain, and that’s exactly what your mind wants!

Help Your Digestion. Whisky has been used as an aid for digestion for decades now! It helps curb the appetite, and therefore it prevents overeating which can lead to stomach cramps and indigestion.

Live a Longer Life. Due to the amount of antioxidants and nutrients in whisky, this amber liquid can actually give your immune system a boost, which helps in the prevention of disease and illness. These same antioxidants and nutrients also prevent the breakdown of important cells in the body, which leads to a longer lifespan for you!

Cure Your Cold. Whisky actually makes for a very effective cough syrup, as the alcohol kills off the bacteria that collect in the throat. By adding whisky to a mixture of lemon and hot water, you can easily help prevent and treat a cold! With the onset of fall, now is the perfect time to warm up with a whisky hot toddy and settle down with a good book.