For generations, grandma’s recipe to alleviate chest congestion, and probably headaches from grandchildren, was mixing up a hot toddy. Heating up rum, water and spices was a soothing way to stop a nasty cough and get some much-needed rest.
That simple remedy might actual do more to cure the body than originally thought. Rum is fermented from sugar can juice or molasses, and contains no carbohydrates and fat.
According to a Food to Fitness article, rum acts as a blood thinner and can reduce the chance of heart attacks. “Peripheral artery diseases can be combated by its consumption,” the article states, “(And rum) helps in restricting artery blockages.”