Lucy Palmer
Beer is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world. It contains antioxidants, phenolic products, vitamins, minerals, soluble fibres, and microorganisms.
Although beer is not usually associated with health benefits, some studies have shown that low or moderate beer consumption can have a positive impact on health. This is due to the presence of certain components that interact with gut microbiota, including microorganisms, polyphenols, fibre, and melanoidins.
Some types of beer, such as traditional Belgian beers like Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier, are rich in probiotic microbes that offer health benefits. These beers undergo a second fermentation process, which uses a different strain of yeast that produces acids that kill harmful bacteria in the gut.
However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to gut health and disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to reaping the potential health benefits of beer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does beer have healthy bacteria? | Beer contains some healthy bacteria, including lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillales order, Bifidobacterium genus) and Saccharomyces spp. |
| Which beers have healthy bacteria? | Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier are rich in probiotic microbes. |
| How do these beers have healthy bacteria? | These beers are fermented twice, which creates a different strain of yeast that produces acids that kill harmful bacteria in the gut. |
What You'll Learn
Some beers contain gut-friendly bacteria
Beer is one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world. It contains a range of antioxidants, phenolic products, vitamins, minerals, soluble fibres and microorganisms.
However, it is important to note that excessive drinking can damage the healthy bacteria in your gut.
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Beer contains antioxidants
Beer is a fermented beverage that has been consumed for millennia. It is made from water, malt, hops, and yeast, and its antioxidant content varies depending on the type of beer. Beer contains a variety of antioxidants, including:
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic acids
- Melanoidins
Health Benefits of Beer Antioxidants
Moderate beer consumption has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including:
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Increased bone strength
- Reduced inflammation
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Protection against certain forms of cancer
- Lower risk of Alzheimer's and dementia
- Improved cognitive function
- Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease
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Beer can be a source of dietary fibre
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage in the world and is consumed in large quantities. It contains a variety of nutrients, including dietary fibre, which is composed of indigestible carbohydrates, polyphenolic compounds, and indigestible protein.
The dietary fibre content in beer is around 2 g/l, with the largest constituents being arabinoxylans and β-glucans. These are highly fermented by colonic bacteria, similarly to healthy soluble dietary fibre.
Beer is a good source of soluble dietary fibre, which acts as a prebiotic, aiding the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as helping to combat intestinal dysbiosis.
The consumption of 150 ml of beer per day in Spain accounts for 1.6% and 5% of the total dietary fibre and soluble dietary fibre intake, respectively.
Wheat beer, in particular, is a desirable source of quality soluble dietary fibre.
However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on gut health and the gut microbiota, leading to intestinal dysbiosis. Therefore, it is recommended to consume beer in moderation to reap the potential health benefits.
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Beer has anti-inflammatory properties
Beer has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which are mostly attributed to its polyphenol content. Beer is a rich source of phenolic compounds, which are derived from hops (30%) and malt (70-80%). These compounds have been shown to have redox, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties.
The anti-inflammatory properties of beer have been linked to the reduction of leukocyte adhesion molecules and inflammatory markers, improving the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and thrombotic ailments. Beer has also been shown to have beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function and pressure wave reflections.
The anti-inflammatory effects of beer are also attributed to the activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, which leads to the upregulation of phase II enzymatic expression and the increase in the protein and activity of these enzymes, as well as GSH levels.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, beer has been found to have other health benefits, including:
- Improving bone density
- Boosting brain power
- Reducing the risk of diabetes
- Lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Improving lipid profile
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Beer may have antimicrobial properties
Beer is one of the most consumed drinks worldwide. It contains a variety of antioxidants, phenolic products, vitamins, minerals, soluble fibres and microorganisms. Beer has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which can be attributed to its phenolic content, particularly its polyphenols.
Polyphenols are a group of chemical compounds found in plants, and beer is an important vehicle for them. They are mostly derived from malt and hops, and they have been found to positively influence the gut microbiota. They stimulate the development of the gut microbiota, with consequent local anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Their degradation products have prebiotic action and may combat intestinal dysbiosis.
The antimicrobial activity of hop extracts obtained from different hop genotypes has been investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The hop hydroacetonic extracts were found to be more effective against Staphylococcus aureus than Lactobacillus acidophilus. The hop extracts with the greatest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus were Styrian Dragon, Aurora, and Dekorativny, while Aurora, Savinjski golding, Styrian Dragon and Chocotsu No.17 exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus acidophilus.
The antimicrobial activity of hop extracts against Lactobacillus acidophilus was studied for the first time in this investigation. The results suggest that the identified chemical hop compounds are directly responsible for the antimicrobial effects.
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Frequently asked questions
Beer is not a great source of healthy bacteria, or probiotics. However, some traditional Belgian beers like Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier are fermented twice, which means they contain a specific type of probiotic yeast that kills disease-causing bacteria in the gut.
The health benefits of probiotics are well-documented. They are thought to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut after periods of illness, or when taking a course of antibiotics might've irritated the stomach and intestines. Probiotics are also linked to a healthy digestive tract and increased immune system support.
Experts stress that the research does not mean it's OK to start drinking a lot of beer. In fact, in high concentrations, alcohol is bad for the gut. However, drinking just one of these probiotic-rich beers every day could be very good for you.
Yes, beer contains antioxidants, which help to combat the oxidation of compounds like LDL (bad) cholesterol. Beer also contains a phenolic compound called xanthohumol, which has displayed chemopreventative effects in cancer cells in in vitro studies.
Probiotics can be found in foods such as yoghurt, kimchi, and kefir, and are most commonly taken in capsule form as food supplements.
