Morning Beer: Is It A Healthy Habit Or Not?

Drinking beer in the morning is a topic of debate, with some people considering it a rare joy and others believing it to be unhealthy. In some cultures, like Germany, drinking beer in the morning is normal, especially during celebrations like Carnival and as part of the Bavarian Breakfast tradition. While it can be a fun and rebellious act, there are health risks associated with regular alcohol consumption, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer. As such, it is generally not recommended to drink beer or any alcoholic beverage in excess or as a regular morning routine.

Drinking beer in the morning in Germany

Bavarians typically drink a specific type of beer in the morning called hefeweizen, which is made from malted wheat and has a cloudy, unfiltered appearance. It also has a unique fermentation process that produces overtones of clove, banana, apples, citrus, and smoke. This beer is often consumed during brotzeit, which usually takes place in the late morning, around 11 am. It is typically accompanied by a simple meal of bread, butter, cheese, pickles, veal sausage, mustard, and pretzels.

The tradition of drinking beer for breakfast is not limited to Bavaria, however. In the southern city of Munich, it is common to see people enjoying a Weißwurstfrühstück, which consists of white sausages, soft pretzels, sweet mustard, and wheat beer. This meal is considered one of the most "German" traditions and is often enjoyed before noon on Saturdays.

While drinking beer in the morning may be a longstanding tradition in Germany, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative health effects. As medical understanding of the link between alcohol abuse and certain types of cancer has advanced, even Germans have started to tone down their drinking habits. However, drinking in the morning or at any time of day can be part of the German culture and social life.

In Germany, the legal drinking age for beer and wine is 16 years old, while for distilled spirits, it is 18 years old. It is worth noting that public drinking is legal and common in Germany, and it is not unusual to see people drinking beer on their way home from work or while riding public transportation. However, drinking while operating heavy machinery or driving is illegal and can have severe consequences.

Beer as a hangover cure

While there is no one solution to fix all the symptoms of a hangover, there are a few things that can help alleviate specific problems. Drinking more alcohol in the morning, or "hair of the dog", is not recommended by experts as a hangover cure. According to Dr. Hall-Flavin, it will "provide a numbing effect, but all you're doing is prolonging the inevitable, and it will likely make your headache worse". Another reason to avoid drinking beer to cure a hangover is that it can increase the risk of alcohol abuse and dependency.

However, some people in the beer industry do recommend drinking beer as soon as possible to cure a hangover. Chris Lohring, Head Brewer at Notch Brewing, says that for times when he needs help, he drinks a beer as soon as possible. Alexandria Gray, a brewer at Bay Cannon Beer Company, also mentions drinking a Bloody Mary to cure a hangover, which contains vodka. Katarina Martinez, Marketing Director at Market Garden Brewery, recommends drinking a spicy Bloody Mary at 10 am and taking a nap at noon. Trevor Hayward, Co-founder of Evil Genius Beer Company, also mentions drinking another beer as the "real hangover remedy".

In addition to drinking beer, there are other remedies that can help with a hangover. These include drinking water, eating carbs and foods with sodium, taking vitamin B and milk thistle pills, and drinking coffee.

The US President drinking beer

Drinking beer in the morning is generally not recommended, but there may be exceptions, such as cultural norms or special occasions. Interestingly, some notable individuals, like former US President Barack Obama, have been known to indulge in a morning beer on rare occasions.

Speaking of US presidents, let's explore the topic of "The US President Drinking Beer." While the role of the US President carries immense responsibility and scrutiny, it's intriguing to learn that several commanders-in-chief have had a penchant for beer. Here are some insights into the beer-drinking habits of various US presidents:

Barack Obama

The image of President Barack Obama drinking a beer has become iconic. Obama was photographed enjoying a beer at 11 am, ahead of the G7 summit in Germany. While some may question the appropriateness of the leader of the most powerful nation drinking before noon, it was a rare occurrence and in adherence to local Bavarian customs. Obama also brewed his own beer at the White House, using honey produced by the White House bees.

Grover Cleveland

Grover Cleveland had a strong preference for beer and drank it almost exclusively. He even attempted to limit himself to four beers per day, though he eventually resorted to drinking from larger steins.

James Garfield

President James Garfield, unlike his predecessors, was a beer enthusiast. According to Thomas Donaldson's diary entry, Garfield "liked beer and drank but little else."

John Adams

John Adams, the second president of the US, started almost every morning with a tankard of hard cider. He also drank porter beer, rum, and copious amounts of Madeira.

William Henry Harrison

William Henry Harrison embraced drinking as part of his political image. During his campaign, he promoted himself as the "Log Cabin and Hard Cider" candidate, positioning himself as a man of the people. While he did give out hard cider at campaign stops, his drinking as president was limited to brandy or whiskey due to the illnesses that ultimately took his life just a month into his term.

George Washington

While George Washington is known for drinking four glasses of Madeira wine every afternoon, he also had a strong connection with beer. He celebrated leaving office with 42 bottles of beer for him and his 54 guests.

In conclusion, while drinking beer in the morning may not be a common practice, it is intriguing to learn about the drinking habits of US presidents, some of whom have enjoyed a cold beer now and then, even in the morning.

Beer as a breakfast drink

Beer for breakfast? It may sound unusual, but it's not unheard of. In Germany, for example, it's not uncommon to drink beer in the morning, and the country even has a tradition called "Bavarian Breakfast" that includes white sausages, pretzels, and a half-litre of beer.

While some people may find the idea of drinking beer before noon rebellious or naughty, there are actually several reasons why beer can be a great breakfast drink. Firstly, it's all about context. Drinking a beer while watching a morning sports game or during a holiday like Carnival can be a fun and social experience. Secondly, there are now so many different styles and flavours of beer that can complement a breakfast meal. For example, stouts and porters have a roasted malt flavour that pairs well with coffee and breakfast foods like bacon and pancakes. Coffee IPAs can also be a great morning pick-me-up, offering a unique blend of bright, fruity coffee roasts and citrusy hops.

If you're looking for a lighter option, a hefeweizen is a traditional German choice for the "second breakfast" common in Bavaria. It's light, spritzy, and fragrant, making it a versatile option for any breakfast spread. For something even more refreshing, try a Belgian witbier, which is similar to a hefeweizen but flavoured with orange peel and spices, making it a perfect substitute for a mimosa.

Of course, it's important to remember that drinking in the morning, whether it's beer or any other alcoholic beverage, should be done in moderation. But if you're looking to switch up your breakfast routine or simply want to indulge in a rare treat, a beer with your breakfast could be the perfect choice. So, go ahead, pour yourself a cold one, and cheers to starting your day with a little extra buzz!

Beer and sports

While drinking beer in the morning may be frowned upon in some cultures, it is not uncommon in others, such as in Germany during the Carnival season, or "Karneval". During this time, people from all walks of life traditionally start drinking as early as 11 am and continue well into the night.

In some cases, drinking a beer in the morning may be justified. For example, if you're on vacation and want to relax with a beer on the beach or by the pool, or if you're tailgating before a morning sports game. Speaking of sports, it is well-documented that beer and sports go hand in hand. Whether it's a football Sunday or a weeknight hockey game, many people enjoy a beer while cheering on their favourite team.

However, it's important to note that drinking in the morning, especially if it becomes a regular habit, can have negative health consequences. According to medical advice, there is a strong link between alcohol abuse and certain types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Therefore, it's recommended to drink in moderation and to avoid drinking while performing potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.

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