Wheat Beer's Surprising Health Benefits: Drink Up!

Drinking wheat beer will likely not help your hair grow. While beer contains nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc that may prevent premature greying, reduce hair fall, minimise dandruff, and promote hair growth, there is no scientific evidence that drinking beer or using it as a hair treatment will improve hair health.

Beer is believed to be beneficial for hair health due to its protein, vitamin, and antioxidant content. However, there is no proof that these nutrients can bind to and benefit hair when applied topically, and the alcohol in beer may have a dehydrating effect.

While some people claim that beer can reduce dandruff, cure an oily scalp, minimise hair loss, and restore scalp health, these assertions are based on anecdotal evidence and have not been proven in clinical trials.

In conclusion, while beer may have some potential benefits for hair health, there is currently no scientific evidence to support these claims.

Wheat beers are not gluten-free

Wheat is one of the most commonly used grains in beer production, alongside barley and rye, all of which contain gluten. For this reason, most beer is unsafe for people with coeliac disease, also known as celiac disease, or gluten intolerance. When people with coeliac disease consume gluten, it can damage their intestines and cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhoea, unexplained weight loss, and poor absorption of nutrients.

However, there are plenty of gluten-free beer options available for those who want to avoid gluten. These beers are made using gluten-free grains such as sorghum, rice, buckwheat, millet, corn, quinoa, or oats. Some breweries are dedicated gluten-free facilities, ensuring no risk of cross-contamination with gluten during the brewing process.

It is important to note that "gluten-removed" or "gluten-reduced" beers are not the same as gluten-free beers. These beers are made from gluten-containing grains and processed to break down the gluten into smaller compounds. While they may be suitable for some people with gluten sensitivity, they are not recommended for those with severe gluten intolerance or allergies.

Gluten-free beers are made with grains that don't contain gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. It is present in most beers, as these grains are commonly used in the brewing process. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, drinking gluten-containing beer can cause adverse health effects.

The good news is that there are now many gluten-free beer options available. These beers are made using grains that do not contain gluten, such as:

• Sorghum
• Millet
• Buckwheat
• Rice
• Quinoa

These gluten-free grains are used as a base in place of wheat or barley, and brewers must modify their processes to accommodate the unique characteristics of these alternative grains. For example, rice can be toasted to produce a range of flavors that mimic malted barley, while buckwheat has a strong nutty, almost bitter flavor profile.

Gluten-free beers made with these grains are considered "gluten-free" and are safe for individuals with celiac disease to consume. They are also regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, which requires gluten-free beers to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

In addition to using gluten-free grains, some breweries may also be dedicated gluten-free facilities to avoid any cross-contamination with gluten during the brewing process. This ensures that their beers are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Gluten-removed beers are not suitable for people with gluten allergies

Wheat beer is typically not gluten-free, and therefore not suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten allergies. Coeliac disease affects an estimated 1.4% of the world's population, and those affected develop an abnormal immune reaction when they consume gluten, a protein found in grains including barley, wheat, and rye. This can damage the lining of the small intestine and lead to a range of symptoms.

While there are gluten-free beers available, which are made with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, buckwheat, or rice, there are also beers labelled as "gluten-removed" or "gluten-reduced". These beers are not recommended for people with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

Gluten-removed beers are made from gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, or rye, and processed using enzymes that break down gluten particles into smaller fragments. However, the effectiveness of this process has not been scientifically validated, and the gluten content of these beers may vary between batches. Furthermore, studies have shown that gluten-removed beers can still cause an immune response in some people with coeliac disease.

Therefore, if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, it is best to stick to beers labelled as gluten-free, which are made with naturally gluten-free grains and regulated by organizations like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These beers must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labelled gluten-free.

In summary, while there are gluten-free options available, gluten-removed beers are not suitable for people with gluten allergies or coeliac disease, as they may still contain gluten and trigger an immune response.

Gluten-free beers are now widely available

Wheat beer is not gluten-free. In fact, wheat beer contains 25,920 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is far above the threshold for gluten-free certification. For context, in most countries, food and beverages must contain fewer than 20 ppm of gluten to be considered gluten-free.

However, gluten-free beers are now widely available, and the market for them has expanded significantly. This is in response to a growing demand from individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, who seek alternatives to traditional barley-based brews.

Gluten-free beers are made from ingredients that do not naturally contain gluten, such as millet, rice, sorghum, buckwheat, or corn. Brewers use a variety of processes to create gluten-free beer, including:

• Milling
• Mashing
• Lautering
• Boiling
• Cooling
• Fermentation
• Maturation
• Filtration
• Carbonation

Gluten-free beers are now available in a range of styles, including ales, Belgian whites, and India pale ales (IPAs). They are also available in many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia.

Some of the popular gluten-free beers available around the globe include:

• Buck Wild Pale Ale by Alpenglow Beer Company (California, USA)
• Copperhead Copper Ale by Alt Brew (Wisconsin, USA)
• Redbridge Lager by Anheuser-Busch (Missouri, USA)
• Felix Pilsner by Bierly Brewing (Oregon, USA)
• Pyro American Pale Ale by Burning Brothers Brewing (Minnesota, USA)
• Third Contact IPA by Divine Science Brewing (California, USA)
• Celia Saison by Ipswich Ale Brewery (Massachusetts, USA)
• English Pale Ale by Autumn Brewing Company (Seaham, UK)
• G-Free (Pilsner) by St. Peter’s Brewery (Bungay, UK)
• Forager Amber Pale Ale by Whistler Brewing Company (British Columbia, Canada)
• Massager Millet Lager by Microbrasserie Nouvelle France (Quebec, Canada)
• Gluten-Free Pale Ale by Scott’s Brewing Company (Oamaru, New Zealand)
• Pale Ale by Wild Polly Brewing Co. (Western Australia, Australia)
• Ginger Beer by Billabong Brewing (Western Australia, Australia)

Gluten-free beers may taste different from regular beers

Drinking wheat beer will not help with gastrointestinal issues, but it can make them worse for people with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease. Traditional beers contain gluten in the form of wheat or barley.

Gluten-free beers are made with grains that do not contain gluten, such as sorghum, rice, or millet. They might taste different from regular beers, as they may be sweeter or less carbonated. For example, sorghum beer is slightly sweet, quinoa beer has a different smell, and buckwheat beer doesn't have stable foam.

Gluten-removed and gluten-reduced beers are also available, but they are not recommended for people with a gluten allergy or intolerance. These beers are made from gluten-containing grains, and while the gluten is processed using enzymes, it may not be completely removed. The effectiveness of the removal process has not been scientifically validated, and the gluten content may vary between batches.

If you are looking for gluten-free options, look for beers made with gluten-free grains and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These beers must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labelled as gluten-free.

Some popular gluten-free beers available around the globe include:

• Buck Wild Pale Ale by Alpenglow Beer Company (California, USA)
• Copperhead Copper Ale by Alt Brew (Wisconsin, USA)
• Redbridge Lager by Anheuser-Busch (Missouri, USA)
• Pyro American Pale Ale by Burning Brothers Brewing (Minnesota, USA)
• Glutenator IPA by Epic Brewing Company (Utah, USA)

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