Antioxidant Activity
Brandy serves as a source of antioxidants, reports a study published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in 2010. Antioxidants play a major role in keeping your tissues free from damage because they neutralize free radicals -- reactive chemicals formed either when your tissues are exposed to environmental toxins or as a byproduct of your cellular metabolism. Over time, free radical damage contributes to cellular aging, as well as chronic disease, so consuming sources of antioxidants, such as brandy, helps keep your tissues healthy.
Cancer-Fighting Benefits
Brandy also offers health benefits thanks to its ellagic acid -- a phytonutrient with cancer-fighting properties. One study, published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2013, found that ellagic acid activates genes that halt ovarian cancer cell growth; it also induced ovarian cancer cell death. An additional study, from the September 2013 issue of "Food and Chemical Toxicology," yielded similar results in bladder cancer cells. While it is not yet known exactly how much brandy protects against cancer, it might offer health benefits.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Brandy might also offer cardiovascular benefits thanks to its polyphenol content. Alcoholic drinks that contain polyphenols suppress the activity of a gene, called NF-kappaB, that plays a role in inflammation, reports a study published in "Atherosclerosis" in 2007. Because excessive inflammation and overactivation of NF-kappaB contribute to heart disease, brandy's negative effect on NF-kappaB might benefit your cardiovascular health. Further investigation, however, is needed to know how well it works for preventing cardiovascular disease.