Beer Drinking And Cholesterol: Is There A Link?

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage, but its impact on cholesterol levels has been the subject of much debate. While some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption may positively influence good cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL), others indicate that it can increase triglyceride levels, which are part of total cholesterol. This complex relationship between beer and cholesterol warrants further exploration to understand the potential benefits and risks for individuals concerned about their heart health.

Beer may increase good cholesterol, but not bad cholesterol

It is a well-known fact that alcohol, in any form, has health implications. However, drinking beer in moderation may positively influence cholesterol levels in your blood. While beer is not considered "cardioprotective", it does have some health benefits when consumed infrequently in moderation.

How Beer Affects Cholesterol

Early studies exploring the effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system revealed that low to moderate alcohol drinkers had a lower risk of heart disease than non-drinkers. Recent research has altered this picture, suggesting that certain types of alcohol may be better for your heart than others. For example, red wine is believed to have a cardioprotective effect. On the other hand, the low to moderate consumption of spirits like gin or whiskey does not offer any such benefit.

Beer, which largely falls into the same category as spirits, has been found to increase levels of "good" cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is the type of cholesterol that traps and carries "bad" cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), to the liver to be broken down and eliminated from the body. By increasing "good" cholesterol levels, there may be less "bad" cholesterol to stick to the walls of arteries, thus reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

The effect of beer on cholesterol levels has been documented in several studies. A 2018 study published in Nutrients reported that moderate beer consumption in overweight adults (30 grams of alcohol per day for males and 15 grams per day for females) increased HDL levels after four weeks. Importantly, this amount of beer consumption did not negatively impact liver function or contribute to the stiffening of arteries, which is a risk factor for high blood pressure and CAD.

However, it is worth noting that the increase in HDL levels was not associated with a decrease in LDL levels or triglycerides, another blood lipid linked to heart disease. These findings were confirmed by a 2020 review of studies in PLoS One, which analyzed data from 26 high-quality studies. The review concluded that low to moderate beer consumption increases HDL levels but has no significant effect on LDL or triglycerides.

Weighing the Benefits and Risks

While beer may increase "good" cholesterol, it is important to consider the overall risks and benefits of alcohol consumption. Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage worldwide and is rich in nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. The polyphenols in beer are believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which may lower blood sugar and the risk of diabetes and certain cancers.

However, excessive alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, can have severe negative consequences on health. It can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and certain cancers. According to the World Health Organization, "no level of alcohol is safe for our health," and even moderate drinking can have detrimental effects.

Recommendations

If you choose to drink beer, moderation is key. This means no more than two beers a day for males and one beer a day for females. It is important to note that the potential benefits of alcohol consumption may be overstated, and the risks of drinking alcohol far outweigh any potential advantages. Therefore, if you don't drink alcohol, it is not recommended to start drinking beer solely for potential health benefits.

Beer contains cholesterol-binding sterols, but at low levels

Beer is made from barley malt, yeast, and hops, which all contain phytosterols. Phytosterols are plant compounds that bind to cholesterol and help remove it from your body. These compounds are added to some foods and drinks and are marketed as cholesterol-reducing.

However, the sterols in beer—sitosterol and ergosterol—are at such low levels that they have a negligible impact on reducing cholesterol. Even whole-grain beers contain too little of these sterols to significantly affect cholesterol levels.

Some research on mice has suggested that moderate beer consumption may reduce cholesterol in the liver and cholesterol deposits in the aorta, which is the body's largest artery. The researchers noted that some unidentified components in beer may change how lipoproteins are metabolised, thus reducing the risk of heart disease. However, the components and their mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood.

While beer may not significantly reduce cholesterol levels, light to moderate consumption may increase "good" cholesterol (HDL) and decrease "bad" cholesterol (LDL). This can lower the risk of heart disease by preventing the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels. However, excessive consumption can have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of heart disease and other negative health outcomes.

Beer raises triglyceride levels

Since triglycerides are part of the total cholesterol count, an increase in triglyceride levels means an increase in total cholesterol. Ideally, your triglyceride level should be below 150 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).

While beer does contain cholesterol-binding sterols, such as sitosterol and ergosterol, they are present in such low levels that they have little impact on reducing cholesterol. Some research on mice has suggested that moderate beer consumption can reduce cholesterol in the liver and cholesterol deposits in the aorta (the largest artery in the body). However, the components responsible for these effects are not fully understood.

It's important to note that consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly can weaken the heart over time and lead to health problems that outweigh any potential benefits. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and high triglyceride levels.

Therefore, while drinking beer in moderation may have some benefits for heart health, it may not positively impact cholesterol levels due to its ability to increase triglyceride levels.

Beer may increase the flexibility of blood vessels

The review, which analysed data from 26 high-quality studies, concluded that the consumption of 30 grams of alcohol per day for males and 15 grams of alcohol per day for females did, in fact, increase HDL levels after four weeks. Consuming beer in this amount also did not significantly alter liver function or contribute to the stiffening of arteries.

However, it is important to note that the consumption of beer or any alcoholic beverage has complex effects on cardiovascular health. While low to moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, excessive drinking can increase this risk, as well as raise blood pressure, contribute to obesity, and increase the levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood.

Heavy drinking increases total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides

While drinking alcohol in moderation has been linked to lower rates of heart disease and a reduced risk of heart disease-related death, heavy drinking can have the opposite effect. Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to high levels of LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol builds up in the body and creates a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, plaque sticks to the insides of arteries, making them narrow and hard in a condition called atherosclerosis. This can lead to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Heavy drinking is also associated with high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that is part of total cholesterol count. Beer, in particular, is known to increase triglyceride levels because it contains carbohydrates and alcohol, two substances that quickly raise triglycerides.

According to the American Heart Association, although moderate alcohol consumption may have some health benefits, it does not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to improve heart health. Instead, the organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising regularly to manage cholesterol levels effectively.

It is important to note that the definition of heavy drinking differs between men and women. For men, heavy drinking is defined as consuming four or more drinks on any given day or more than 14 drinks per week. For women, it is defined as consuming three or more drinks on any given day or more than seven drinks per week.

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