Lucy Palmer
Beer or milk—which is healthier? This has been a topic of debate for a while now, with some arguing that beer is the healthier option. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has also jumped on the bandwagon, claiming that beer is better for you than milk. In this article, we will explore the health benefits and drawbacks of both beverages and let you decide which one is healthier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Beer has fewer calories than milk |
| Sodium | Beer has less sodium than milk |
| Fat | Beer has less fat than milk |
| Cholesterol | Beer has less cholesterol than milk |
| Weight Gain | Beer is not associated with weight gain, unlike milk |
| Bones | Beer helps prevent bones from becoming brittle, unlike milk which is linked to osteoporosis |
| Cardiovascular Health | Beer can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes caused by clotting. Milk is believed to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease |
| Gallstones | Beer may help prevent gallstones |
| Diabetes | Beer may help prevent type 2 diabetes. Milk is linked to diabetes |
| Obesity | Beer is not associated with obesity, unlike milk |
| Cancer | Beer is not linked to cancer, unlike milk |
| Heart Disease | Beer raises good cholesterol and prevents damage from bad cholesterol. Milk is linked to heart disease |
| Lactose Intolerance | Beer does not cause lactose intolerance. Milk is linked to lactose intolerance |
| Acne | Beer does not cause acne. Milk is linked to acne |
What You'll Learn
Beer has fewer calories, less sodium, and no fat or cholesterol compared to milk
Beer has been deemed healthier than milk by organisations such as PETA, who claim that beer is better for your health and helps with weight loss. Beer has fewer calories, less sodium, and no fat or cholesterol compared to milk.
Beer is often associated with a lower calorie intake and, therefore, less weight gain than milk. Milk is loaded with calories, sodium, fat, and cholesterol, which can contribute to weight gain. Beer, on the other hand, is free of these nutrients and is, thus, a better option for those watching their weight.
Beer also contains cholesterol-binding sterols, such as sitosterol and ergosterol, which are plant compounds that help remove cholesterol from the body. However, the levels of these sterols in beer are very low and do not significantly impact cholesterol reduction.
In addition, beer has been linked to improved heart health. According to Harvard Medical School, moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from cardiovascular causes. Beer may also help prevent gallstones and type 2 diabetes.
However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity, alcoholism, and heart problems. Therefore, drinking in moderation is crucial.
Cocktails vs Beer: Which Booze is Better for Your Health?
You may want to see also
Beer is linked to stronger bones and a longer life
Beer is also associated with longevity. Moderate drinking has been linked to longer and healthier lives. Beer is perfect for moderate drinking due to its lower alcohol content and larger volume compared to wine or spirits. In addition, beer has been found to lower the risk of heart attacks and reduce the chances of developing cardiovascular diseases. Beer contains vitamin B6, which protects against heart diseases by preventing the build-up of a compound called homocysteine. It also has a thinning effect on the blood, preventing the formation of clots that can cause blockages in the coronary arteries.
Furthermore, beer has been shown to have potential health benefits beyond bone strength and longevity. It has been linked to a reduced risk of kidney stones, strokes, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, insomnia, and cataracts. Beer also contains antioxidants, which can provide additional health benefits.
However, it is important to note that excessive beer consumption can lead to negative health consequences. The key to reaping the potential health benefits of beer lies in moderation.
Beer vs Coke: Which Drink is Healthier?
You may want to see also
Milk is linked to obesity, diabetes, and cancer
While milk is a great source of calcium, it has also been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
Obesity
Milk and other dairy products have been found to be consistently not associated, or inversely associated, with body fatness in children relative to low or no dairy product consumption. However, the relationship between milk and other dairy products, and body fatness in children, did not appear to change during childhood except in preschool years. Due to the limited data available, and the inconsistency of the results, it is not possible to make any inference about the relationship between milk and other dairy products with obesity and indicators of adiposity, and age of the child.
Diabetes
Milk is a great source of calcium, but it may also be high in fat and carbs, making it risky for people with diabetes. The carbs in milk break down and become sugar in the bloodstream. With both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, one has to watch their carbs. Drinking too much milk may cause a spike in blood sugar. Most of the fat in milk is an unhealthy kind. When possible, it is recommended to choose low-fat or fat-free milk, so one gets calcium and other nutrients without the added fat.
Cancer
A study by the University of Oxford found that dairy products are linked to an increased risk of cancer. The first major study to investigate dairy consumption and cancer risk in Chinese adults found that greater intake was associated with higher risks of liver cancer and female breast cancer. The researchers found that people who consumed dairy products regularly had significantly greater risks of developing liver and breast cancer. For each 50g/day intake, the risk increased by 12% and 17% respectively.
Beck's Beer: Healthy Drinking or Marketing Hype?
You may want to see also
Beer is better for the environment because grains don't belch methane
Beer: it's the drink of choice for many, but is it healthier than milk? One argument in its favour is that it's better for the environment. After all, grains don't belch methane.
It's true that beer has a lower environmental impact than milk. Dairy production is responsible for a significant proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle emitting large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. In contrast, the production of beer doesn't involve the same level of methane emissions.
So, how does cattle farming contribute to methane emissions? It's all about the cows' digestive systems. As they eat grasses and hay, their digestive processes convert some of it into methane, which they then release into the atmosphere. This is a major source of methane emissions and contributes to global warming.
But how does beer production help reduce methane emissions? It's not just about the absence of methane-emitting cows. There's another factor at play here: brewer's yeast. This yeast, used in the beer-making process, can actually help reduce methane emissions from cows. When mixed into livestock feed, brewer's yeast has been found to decrease the amount of methane released by cows. It's like killing two birds with one stone – the yeast provides extra protein and vitamins for the cows, while also helping to reduce their environmental impact.
The benefits of brewer's yeast don't stop there. Studies have shown that it can inhibit certain bacteria and microbes in the cows' digestive systems, specifically targeting those responsible for releasing methane and ammonia. This not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improves the cows' health and productivity by preserving amino acids needed for growth and milk production.
So, when it comes to the environmental impact of our beverage choices, beer comes out on top. By choosing beer over milk, we can raise a glass to both flavour and sustainability, knowing that we're doing our part to reduce methane emissions and mitigate climate change.
Moscow Mule vs Beer: Which Cocktail is Healthier?
You may want to see also
Beer is better for weight loss or maintenance
However, it is important to consider serving sizes when making a decision about which drink to choose. A standard serving of wine (5 ounces) contains 118 calories, while a standard serving of beer (12 ounces) contains 147 calories. Therefore, a single serving of wine will usually have fewer calories than a single serving of beer. It is worth noting that there are also low-calorie beers available, which contain 90 calories or less.
Another factor to consider is the impact of alcohol on metabolism and weight gain. Alcohol can cause a water weight increase and is full of empty calories, leading to an overall weight gain. Additionally, alcohol can lead to poor food choices, as people tend to reach for unhealthy foods after drinking alcohol. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of alcohol consumption and its impact on weight loss or maintenance goals.
When it comes to health considerations, there are conflicting findings regarding the benefits and risks of drinking alcohol. Some studies suggest that moderate drinking can slow down ageing and promote heart health, while others indicate that it can increase the risk of cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Ultimately, it is essential to drink in moderation and be aware of the potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
Coffee vs Beer: Which Drink is Healthier?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Beer has been shown to have some surprising health benefits, and some studies have concluded that it is healthier than milk. However, it is important to note that beer is an alcoholic beverage, and excessive consumption of alcohol can have negative health effects.
Beer has been found to boost bone health, with dietary silicon that is important for bone and connective tissue growth. Beer is also said to contain essential nutrients, including soluble fibre, calcium, and iron. Beer is also said to be better for weight management than milk.
Milk has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and cancer. It is also associated with heart disease, acne, excess mucus, and symptoms of lactose intolerance. Some studies have even linked milk intake with higher mortality rates and questioned whether it strengthens bones.
Yes, while beer in moderation may have some health benefits, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to various health issues. It is important to drink responsibly and ensure that alcohol consumption does not exceed the recommended limits.
While some studies suggest that beer may be healthier than milk, it is important to remember that beer is still an alcoholic beverage and should be consumed in moderation. A balanced diet typically includes dairy or dairy alternatives, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
