Beer Drinking: What's The Right Amount?

Beer is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. It is a staple at parties, sports events, and nights out. Beer is also known for its unique flavours and fascinating production processes.

The process of drinking beer can be elevated by choosing the right type of beer and glassware. Beer can be consumed straight from the bottle or can, but drinking it from a glass can elevate the experience. The type of glass used can affect the chemistry and taste of the beer. For example, blonde, brown, black, and red American ales are best served in glass mugs, while Indian Pale Ales are typically served in pint glasses.

The temperature at which beer is served is also important. Most beers should be kept around 50–60 °F (10–16 °C). Stronger beers, such as barley wines, are best enjoyed just below room temperature, while lighter beers like lagers and wheat beers should be served chilled.

Additionally, the pouring technique can impact the beer's texture and aroma. To achieve the perfect head or foam, the glass should be held at a 45-degree angle during pouring.

While beer is widely consumed and enjoyed, it is important to drink responsibly and in moderation. Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to negative health consequences.

Beer has health benefits

Beer is an alcoholic drink made from brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and flavouring agents. It has been consumed for thousands of years and is the third most popular drink worldwide, after tea and water.

When consumed in moderation, beer may have several health benefits. Firstly, it can prevent heart attacks and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is due to its ability to improve good HDL cholesterol levels, thin the blood, and prevent the formation of blood clots, which can block coronary arteries. Beer also contains vitamin B6, which protects against heart disease by preventing the build-up of homocysteine.

Secondly, beer may lower the risk of kidney stones. A study by the National Public Health Institute at Helsinki found that each bottle of beer consumed per day reduced the risk of kidney stone formation by 40%. This is because the water and alcohol in beer increase urine flow and dilute urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.

Thirdly, beer is a source of antioxidants, including flavonoids like xanthohumol, which are found in hops. These antioxidants can help fight cancer, particularly prostate cancer, and inhibit cancer-causing enzymes. Beer also contains acids called humulones and lupulones, which can halt bacterial growth and may have potential in treating cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Fourthly, beer may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia. While the exact reason is unknown, one theory suggests that the cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol consumption, such as raising HDL cholesterol, can also improve blood flow in the brain and enhance brain metabolism.

Finally, beer has been linked to stronger bones, improved blood sugar control, reduced risk of strokes, and lower chances of developing type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that excessive beer consumption can lead to weight gain, liver disease, and other negative health consequences. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to reaping the potential health benefits of beer.

Beer cocktails

Michelada

Also known as a Bloody Beer, this cocktail is a Mexican favourite. It is made with Mexican lager beer, lime juice, salsa juice or tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. To make it extra savoury, rim the glass with a mix of Old Bay, chili powder, and celery salt.

Chelada

Another Mexican cocktail, the Chelada is a simpler version of the Michelada. It is made with Mexican lager beer and lime juice, and you can rim the glass with salt.

Margarita

Also known as a Beergarita or Beerita, this cocktail is made with tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and beer.

Shandy

A traditional British cocktail, the Shandy is a low-alcohol drink that is perfect for summer. It is made with beer and lemon soda or lemonade. You can also make a grapefruit shandy by using grapefruit juice or soda instead of lemon.

Beer Margarita

This cocktail is made with tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and a Mexican lager.

Rye House Spring Beer Cocktail

This seasonal cocktail is made by topping genever, applejack, loganberry liqueur, lime juice, and ginger syrup with lager beer.

Greyhound

A classic cocktail made with gin and grapefruit juice. To make it into a Salty Dog, add a salt rim. To make it into a beer cocktail, replace the grapefruit juice with grapefruit-flavoured wheat beer.

Aperol Spritz

This Italian cocktail is typically made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water. To make it into a beer cocktail, replace the prosecco with a light beer such as Miller High Life.

Mai Tai-PA

This cocktail is made with.5 oz curacao/Cointreau/triple sec, ice, and 1.5-2 oz IPA.

Black Velvet

This cocktail pairs the bitterness of a stout with the fruity bubbles of champagne.

Beer and food

The pairing of beer and food is also celebrated at festivals, such as the Salem Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, and OK!toberfest at the Oklahoma State Fair. At these events, visitors can enjoy a variety of food and beer, including local, regional, and national brews, as well as German beer and food like bratwurst and potato salad.

Additionally, restaurants like Food + Beer in Venice, Florida, offer a range of dishes that go well with beer, such as Nashville Hot Chix Sand, buffalo chicken grilled cheese, and garlic butter and parmesan bacon.

The world of beer and food is a diverse and exciting one, with endless possibilities for pairings and culinary adventures.

Beer and weight loss

Firstly, beer provides calories without satisfying hunger. This is because it is an "empty calorie" drink, providing almost no nutrients, and it is in liquid form, making it easy to consume calories quickly. Additionally, alcohol is metabolised differently by the body compared to other macronutrients, and drinking alcohol can completely stop the process of fat burning.

Secondly, beer can negatively impact sleep quality. Alcohol can disrupt the sleep cycle, leading to reduced sleep duration and quality. Lack of quality sleep is directly linked to both weight gain and muscle loss. Poor sleep can also increase appetite, particularly for high-carbohydrate, calorie-dense foods.

Thirdly, beer can inhibit self-control. When people drink alcohol, their inhibitions are lowered, and they are more likely to make unhealthy food choices and overeat. This can derail weight loss efforts and healthy eating habits.

So, can you drink beer and still lose weight? The key lies in moderation and making strategic choices. Here are some tips to enjoy beer while working towards your weight loss goals:

• Limit the number of beers you drink per week. The fewer beers you consume, the fewer empty calories you ingest. Aim for one beer a day for women and 1-2 beers a day for men, which is considered moderate drinking.
• Be mindful of your eating habits when drinking beer. Choose lower-calorie foods and avoid unhealthy bar snacks. Opt for lean protein sources and vegetables.
• Drink light or low-percentage ABV beer. These beers have fewer calories.
• Reduce your portion size. Use smaller glasses or choose cans instead of bottles.
• Drink less frequently. Reserve your beer consumption for the weekends or special occasions.
• If you are cutting carbs, choose lower-carb beers like Michelob Ultra, Budweiser Select 55, or Corona Premier.

In conclusion, while beer can be a part of a weight loss plan, it is important to be mindful of the quantity consumed and to make adjustments to your eating habits. Creating a caloric deficit is key to weight loss, and drinking beer in moderation can help ensure that your efforts are not derailed.

Beer and sleep

Beer is an alcoholic drink that contains hops, the female flowers from the hop plant, Humulus lupulus. Hops have been used in herbal medicine for centuries and are said to have sedative properties. While beer can make you feel sleepy, it can negatively impact your sleep quality.

How Beer Affects Sleep

Beer, like other alcoholic drinks, is a central nervous system depressant, or sedative, that helps you relax and makes you drowsy, so you fall asleep faster. However, the sedative effect of beer only lasts for the first part of the night. Once the body starts to metabolize the alcohol, the sedative effect wears off, and you may experience frequent awakenings and fragmented sleep.

Beer can also interrupt rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is important for dreaming, learning, and memory processing. REM sleep is the deepest stage of sleep and has a restorative effect. Poor or insufficient REM sleep can lead to grogginess, a higher risk of disease, and even early death.

Recommendations for Drinking Beer Before Bed

Experts recommend avoiding beer and other alcoholic drinks at least three to four hours before bedtime. It takes the body about one hour to process one serving of alcohol. If you've had several drinks, it's best to allow your body enough time to fully process the alcohol before going to sleep.

If you continue to experience sleep difficulties after cutting down on your beer intake, it is advisable to consult a sleep specialist.

Frequently asked questions