In our last blog we discussed the mysteries of Baijiu. China has been cultivating this amazing and versatile spirit for centuries – and consumed responsibly, has a number of health benefits. Imagine that – a wonderful drink, full of character, that can be good for you!

So, what are the leading benefits that will bring you zest and vitality? Scientists have been researching this for several years in China – and after hours of dedicated and thorough research, results are now being released to the World outside ancient Chinese settlements, where this drink first emanated.

Drinking a small amount of Baijiu everyday can help increase the blood flow around the body. Baijiu means ‘clear liquor’ and its purities help flush the body and keeping the machinery that operates around your blood cells run efficiently.

It has been documented for some time that wine consumed in small quantities has similar qualities and health benefits. Red wine is well known to be considered good for the heart. A chemical called Resveratrol is a key ingredient in red wine that helps prevent damage to blood vessels, reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and prevents blood clots. However Baijiu is also thought to be even more beneficial health wise than grape wine – research that has really surprised many in the health sector across the globe.

How does alcohol help the heart?

A number of brilliant boffin types in white coats have determined that various types of alcohol, consumed in moderation, benefit the heart, not just the alcohol found in red wine. It is believed that alcohol raises healthy cholesterol, reduces the formation of clots in the blood and helps prevent damage to the arteries caused by high levels of harmful cholesterol found in fatty – and especially fast foods. It is also believed that moderate levels of alcohol consumed also improve the layer of cells that line your blood vessels.

Baijiu can make the body stronger and preserve life

Research in China has concluded that Baijiu has the highest health benefits, even more so than wine and the grapes used within its production. Baijiu comes in many flavours and tastes, but it is though that Maotai flavour and Jiang flavour are especially beneficial, so let us briefly examine these flavours.

Maotai Brand

Maotai Baijiu is a brilliant clear liquor, full of savoury aroma and distinct flavours of cashew fruit, and savoury type aromas. It provides a refreshing, long finish that shows notes of braised beef and even white chocolate on the palate. As you can imagine, pairing this with a lovely hearty and wholesome meal will be a lovely pairing. In essence Maotai is all about the interplay of savoury, meaty, earthy and fruity!

Jiang Brand

Jiang gets its name from the distinct and lingering fragrance that resembles soy sauce. It is of mellow spirit and on the nose you will pick up the scent of herb and also fermented beans. Jiang is complex in its production, with the fermentation process being conducted several times within underground pits lined with stone bricks. This flavour is mainly produced and found in the South Western Sichuan and North Western Guizhou provinces of China.

Terrific Terpenoids

Terpenoids – they sound like a race of aliens from a science fiction movie, but they are vital to your health! Baijiu contains around three times the amount of this healthy natural product than grape wines. This product is evident in most living organisms and are widely known to help combat the fight against cancer, malaria, inflammation and a variety of other infectious diseases. Indeed, many Chinese herbal medicines contain this chemical.

Its all in the brewing process

During the brewing process a chemical called Superoxide Dismutase is produced. It is considered to be quite possibly the most powerful antioxidant our body creates and is an enzyme found in almost all living cells. Known as SOD, its benefits include helping to rebuild tissue, extending the length of life, and an assistant in the treatment of some cancers.

It has also helped minimise damage caused to the heart, by heart attacks, improve the tolerance to radiation therapy and has also helped to lower the rejection rates in kidney transplantation.

Of course the relationship between liquor and health is very complicated, so its all about consumption. As long as it is moderate then studies suggest that Baijiu may speed up blood circulation and improve the functioning of cardiovascular and circulatory systems. That aside this drink has brilliant digestive properties and plays a significant role in the digestion of food by dissolving nutrients and stimulating the digestive system.

So, all in all Baijiu, isn’t just about the flavours and brands (Baijiu Brands) – it might just save and extend your life!

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Moutai Scientific Analysis – VS – V.I.P Jiu 8 Scientific Analysis

A bottle of V.I.P Jiu 8 together with a bottle of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy was sent to a UK laboratory for analysis.

The laboratory is a registered member of UKAS – The United Kingdom Accreditation Service that is recognised by the UK government when comparing products to internationally agreed standards.

The two bottles were labelled sample A and sample B.

• Sample A – V.I.P Jiu 8.
• Sample B – Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy.

The laboratory concluded that the two bottles were very different, with sample A (VIP Jiu 8) being considerably more complex than sample B (Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy).

The chart below clearly shows that sample A (VIP Jiu 8) contains many more compounds with positive attributes than sample B (Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy).

Here are just a few of the many compounds known for their positive qualities found in V.I.P Jiu 8.

• Alpha-Pinene and beta-Pinene – a wide range of pharmacological attributes have been reported, including anticoagulant, antitumour, antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Beta-Myrcene – has a role as an anti-inflammatory agent and an anabolic agent.
• Alpha-Terpinene – a known antioxidant.
• Gamma-Terpinene – displays antimicrobial properties against various human pathogens.
• Alpha-Terpinolene – produces a mildly sedative effect and can help reduce anxiety.
• Alpha copaene – anti-proliferative, antioxidant.
• Linalool – known to have anti-anxiety, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Trans alpha-Bergamotene – effective against inflammation in the intestine.
• Beta-selinene – exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These benefits may reduce the frequency and severity of painful gout attacks.
• Beta Ocimene – known to work well with other terpenes and has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Further Reading: (Kweichow Moutai – VS – V.I.P Jiu 8 Results)