10 Benefits of Beer: Is It Really Good for You

Beer is one of the most popular beverages in the world. Beer is made through fermentation. Malted barley is mashed, boiled with hops, cooled, and yeast is added. Yeast ferments sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. After fermentation, the beer is conditioned, filtered, and carbonated. Alcohol content varies; most beers range from 4-6%, while stronger ones can exceed 10%.

Drinking beer is often considered an unhealthy habit. You will find multiple research and articles explaining the harmful effects of drinking beer regularly. However, there are some studies which explain the benefits of drinking beer moderately.

Beer Nutrition

Beer contains varying amounts of calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol. On average, a 355 ml beer may contain: (1)

Benefits of Beer

1. Helps to Improve Heart Health

Moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Beer, like wine, contains alcohol, which may raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol) levels and have cardiovascular benefits.

A meta-analysis published in the British Medical Journal suggested a 25%–40% reduction in heart disease risk among moderate alcohol consumers compared to non-drinkers.

It's crucial to remember that the above potential benefits are associated with moderate alcohol consumption. On the other hand, excessive alcohol intake can elevate the risk of heart disease and stroke (2).

2. Helps to Improve Blood Sugar

Light to moderate consumption of beer can help you to manage your blood sugar levels. A large study of over 70,500 participants associated moderate alcohol intake — 14 drinks per week for men and nine drinks per week for women — with a 43% and 58% lower risk of diabetes for men and women, respectively (3).

3. Helps to Improve Bone Health

Silicon, found in beer, is associated with better bone health. Some studies suggest a positive correlation between moderate beer consumption and increased bone mineral density.

Achieving the right balance is crucial. One research indicates that while consuming one or two glasses of beer daily could decrease the risk of bone fractures, exceeding that amount may elevate the risk of experiencing breaks.

4. Helps to Reduce Kidney Stones

Some research indicates a potential link between moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, and a reduced risk of kidney stones. A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reported a 41% lower risk of kidney stones among moderate alcohol consumers compared to non-drinkers. This is not to suggest that drinking beer is a treatment for kidney stones.

5. Helps Improve Cognitive Function

Moderate alcohol intake, including beer, has been associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of dementia compared to abstaining or heavy drinking. It is not to suggest that drinking alcohol will improve your cognitive function, so don’t go on drinking beer every day to be smart.

6. Provides Nutrients

Some beers are fortified with nutrients like B-vitamins (B6, B12, niacin, riboflavin), minerals (magnesium, potassium, phosphorus), and antioxidants. These components play roles in metabolism and overall health.

While not all beers are fortified look for nutrition label regarding alcohol percentage, calories and added vitamins and minerals.

7. Helps to Prevent Cancer

This may sound odd but there is some truth to the fact that moderate beer consumption can help to prevent cancer. Beer contains a flavonoid compound called xanthohumol which has been seen to play a major role in the chemoprevention of cancer, including prostate cancer.

Beer is also a good source of polyphenols, due to the grains used for fermentation. This compound has been proven effective in fighting cancer, similar to red wine.

8. Helps to Reduce the Risk of Stokes

Research conducted by both Harvard Medical School and the American Stroke Association has indicated that individuals who consume moderate quantities of beer may reduce their risk of strokes by as much as 50 percent when compared to those who abstain from alcohol. Ischemic strokes, which occur when a blood clot obstructs blood and oxygen flow to the brain, are the most prevalent type of stroke.

However, consumption of beer can enhance artery flexibility and substantially enhance blood flow. This, in turn, prevents the formation of blood clots, leading to a significant decrease in the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.

9. Helps to Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer is a naturally progressing disease that impact your cognitive ability. There are some research that shows that moderate consumption of beer can reduce the risk of Alzheimer. Beer can help to improve your cardiovascular health which can improve blood flow in the brain and thus brain metabolism. This can reduce the risk of Alzheimer.

10. Helps to Cure Insomnia

Beer serves as a natural sleep aid. Varieties such as ales, stouts, and lagers have been discovered to promote the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that doctors may prescribe to individuals with insomnia. Research indicates that even just the taste of beer can elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to feelings of calmness and relaxation in drinkers. However, researchers emphasize that these effects are observed with just a small taste, requiring a mere 15 milliliters, equivalent to one tablespoon, of beer.

Conclusion

While people only look at beer as a beverage that they can consume to celebrate occasions in their life many are unaware about the many health benefits it offers. Drinking moderate beer can help you to improve your heart health, blood sugar and bone health.

It's important to emphasise moderation; excessive alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, including liver disease, addiction, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Individuals with specific health conditions or those taking medications should consult healthcare professionals before incorporating alcohol into their diet.

FAQs

1. Is beer good for health?

Moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits, such as potential cardiovascular benefits and improved bone density due to its mineral content

2. Is it OK to drink a beer every day?

Drinking one beer per day in moderation is generally considered acceptable for many adults and may even offer potential health benefits like heart health, bone health, cognitive function and improve blood sugar.

3. Is beer good for the skin?

Beer contains antioxidants and vitamins that may offer benefits to the skin when used topically in skincare products.

4. How much beer is safe?

Moderate beer consumption typically means up to one standard drink per day for women and up to two standard drinks per day for men, according to health guidelines.

5. Does beer increase face glow?

While beer's antioxidants might temporarily improve skin appearance, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate skin, leading to dullness and exacerbating skin conditions, ultimately diminishing any potential "glow."