Non-Alcoholic Beer: Healthy Alternative Or Just A Gimmick?

Non-alcoholic beer is often marketed as a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer, but is it? Non-alcoholic beer is usually produced by removing the alcohol from regular beer, and while this process does remove most of the alcohol, some small amounts may remain. In the US, anything that's less than 0.5% ABV can be labelled as non-alcoholic.

Non-alcoholic beer has fewer calories than regular beer, but it still has calories and carbohydrates, albeit fewer. It also contains electrolytes, which can help athletes stay hydrated during workouts. Some research has also suggested that non-alcoholic beer may promote cardiovascular health and bone health.

However, non-alcoholic beer may not be a good choice for people with alcohol problems or those who are pregnant. The smell and taste of non-alcoholic beer may trigger cravings and a subsequent relapse in people with alcohol use disorder. Additionally, many non-alcoholic beers may contain some levels of alcohol, which pose a risk if consumed during pregnancy.

Non-alcoholic beer is hydrating

Non-alcoholic beer contains electrolytes, which are essential for hydration. Studies have shown that athletes who consumed non-alcoholic beer before strenuous workouts finished their workouts less dehydrated than athletes who consumed alcoholic beer. This is because non-alcoholic beer contains less alcohol, which is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration.

Non-alcoholic beer can be a good choice for people looking to reduce their alcohol intake and improve their hydration. However, it is important to note that non-alcoholic beer still contains calories and carbohydrates, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Additionally, non-alcoholic beer can have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. The polyphenols derived from the hops in beer can aid in reducing blood pressure and inflammation. Non-alcoholic beer also contains silicon, which is beneficial for bone health and can increase bone mineral density.

In terms of taste, non-alcoholic beer has come a long way. New discoveries in brewing techniques have allowed brewers to create non-alcoholic beers that retain the flavour of traditional beer.

Overall, non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer, especially for those looking to improve their hydration and cardiovascular health.

It can improve cardiovascular health

Drinking non-alcoholic beer may have some benefits for your cardiovascular health. Firstly, it contains polyphenols, which are derived from hops and are known to aid in reducing blood pressure and inflammation. This can help to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer contains silicon, which is beneficial for bone health and has been linked to increased bone mineral density. This is especially important for post-menopausal women and the elderly, as they are at a higher risk of bone mass density loss.

Furthermore, non-alcoholic beer can help improve your sleep quality. Hops, which are present in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer, increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA. This leads to a decrease in neural activity, producing a sedative effect that helps the brain relax and promotes sleep. In studies on nurses and university students, drinking non-alcoholic beer in the evening was found to improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness.

While non-alcoholic beer may have some benefits for cardiovascular health, it is important to consume it in moderation and be aware of other considerations. Non-alcoholic beer still contains calories and carbohydrates, so it should be consumed in moderation if you are monitoring your calorie intake. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer may not be a suitable option for pregnant individuals or those with a history of alcohol use problems, as it may contain trace amounts of alcohol.

It can reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Silicon, a mineral found in non-alcoholic beer, is essential for bone health and has been linked to increased bone mineral density. As people age, they lose bone mass density, which is particularly risky for post-menopausal women and the elderly. A study on the effects of the non-alcoholic fraction of beer on abdominal fat, osteoporosis, and body hydration in women showed that "among alcoholic drink subtypes, only beer and low-alcohol beer (but not wine or liquors) seemed to have a significantly positive effect on lumbar spine BMD in older women."

Therefore, drinking non-alcoholic beer can be a way to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in older women.

It can improve sleep

Drinking non-alcoholic beer can help improve sleep quality. A study conducted in Spain evaluated the sleep of 17 nurses using a wrist sensor. During the control week, the participants drank what they normally did before bed, and in the following two weeks, they each drank one non-alcoholic beer. The results showed that the nurses fell asleep 12 minutes faster on average and had fewer movements during sleep. They also reported lower anxiety levels, which may have been due to the improved quality of sleep.

The improvement in sleep quality is believed to be due to the hops in the beer, which have a sedative effect. Hops increase the levels of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which soothes the central nervous system. Hops also affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in sleep regulation and the body's circadian rhythms.

In another study, researchers examined the sleep patterns of university students during a stressful exam period and found that drinking non-alcoholic beer helped them fall asleep faster. Similarly, an experimental study with work-stressed nurses found that drinking non-alcoholic beer in the evening during a two-week period improved their sleep quality. The nurses fell asleep faster and were less restless during the night.

The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer is particularly beneficial for those who struggle with sleep issues or those experiencing stress and anxiety, as it can help them relax and fall asleep more easily.

It can reduce stress and anxiety

Drinking non-alcoholic beer can help reduce stress and anxiety. This effect is largely due to the presence of hops in beer, which have a sedative effect on the body. Hops contain bitter acids and oxidative degradation products such as 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, which increase the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This decrease in neural activity allows the brain to relax, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety.

Experimental studies have shown that drinking non-alcoholic beer can lead to lower levels of anxiety and stress. In one study, participants reported reduced stress levels after drinking non-alcoholic beer every evening for two weeks, and physical tests confirmed this effect. Another study on nurses working rotating or night shifts found that drinking non-alcoholic beer improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.

The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer is particularly beneficial for people experiencing high levels of stress or anxiety. For example, it can help individuals with social anxiety disorder, who may find social situations unbearable and turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. While alcohol can provide short-term relief, it is important to note that it can lead to long-term substance problems and worsen anxiety.

Non-alcoholic beer also has other health benefits, such as promoting post-exercise recovery, rehydrating the body, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Frequently asked questions