Non-Alcoholic Beer: Healthy Or Harmful?

Non-alcoholic beer is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular beer. But is it really good for you?

Non-alcoholic beer is made by either preventing alcohol from forming during the brewing process or removing it afterward. The latter can be done by boiling off the alcohol or using filtration. While these methods successfully remove alcohol, they also tend to remove flavour, leaving a less palatable drink. However, new discoveries have allowed brewers to preserve taste and flavour by using no alcohol during the process or employing methods after brewing that remove alcohol.

Non-alcoholic beer contains fewer calories than regular beer because alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat. It also has fewer carbohydrates and less sugar. However, non-alcoholic beer is still high in carbs and may lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. It should also be noted that, despite its name, non-alcoholic beer can contain up to 0.5% alcohol, and some people, such as those who are pregnant or have alcohol dependence, should avoid it.

Non-alcoholic beer is better for you than regular beer because it has fewer calories and less alcohol

Fewer Calories

Non-alcoholic beer has fewer calories than regular beer. Alcohol contains nearly 7 calories per gram, which is almost the same as fat. Many commercial beers contain between 140 and 170 calories, with light beers containing around 100 calories. Non-alcoholic beers can range from as few as 17 calories to 80 or 90 calories. For example, a can of Budweiser contains 146 calories, while a non-alcoholic beer like Athletic Brewing's Upside Dawn contains only 50 calories.

Less Alcohol

Non-alcoholic beer contains less alcohol than regular beer, which is beneficial because alcohol is a toxin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines non-alcoholic beer as beer that contains up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). In comparison, a typical light beer contains 3.2% alcohol. By removing the alcohol, you reduce your risk of chronic disease and the negative effects of alcohol on your health. Alcohol contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally and is responsible for more than 5.1% of the global burden of disease.

Other Benefits

In addition to fewer calories and less alcohol, non-alcoholic beer may offer other health benefits. It is a source of polyphenols, which are believed to have health benefits such as supporting circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering inflammation. Non-alcoholic beer may also be beneficial for menopausal women, as studies suggest that polyphenols derived from hops may help relieve symptoms like hot flashes. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer may improve alcohol-related sleep issues and reduce the risk of making poor food choices after drinking.

Non-alcoholic beer is not necessarily good for you as it still contains calories and carbohydrates

Non-alcoholic beer is made by either using no alcohol during the brewing process or by removing the alcohol afterward. This results in a drink with fewer calories than regular beer, as alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat. However, non-alcoholic beers tend to have more carbohydrates, which can be converted into fat and lead to weight gain if not used.

In addition, non-alcoholic beer may still contain small amounts of alcohol, up to 0.5% alcohol by volume, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This means that it may not be suitable for people who are pregnant, alcohol-dependent, or in recovery from alcoholism.

Some people choose non-alcoholic beer to cut back on their alcohol intake for dietary reasons or to improve their mental health. It may also help improve sleep and reduce the risk of cancer. However, it is important to note that non-alcoholic beer should be consumed in moderation and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Non-alcoholic beer can be a good substitute for alcoholic and soft drink alternatives

Non-alcoholic beer is a good substitute for alcoholic and soft drink alternatives. While non-alcoholic beer still contains calories and carbohydrates, it has fewer calories than regular beer. Alcohol contains almost 7 calories per gram, which is nearly the same as fat, so by removing the alcohol, you're reducing your calorie intake.

Non-alcoholic beer is also a healthier choice if you're looking to cut down on your sugar intake. Sugar is well-known for its negative health impacts, and the NHS recommends no more than 30g of sugar per day. Coca-Cola, for example, contains more than the recommended amount of sugar in a single can. On the other hand, non-alcoholic beer typically has little to no sugar, making it a healthier option.

In addition to being lower in calories and sugar, non-alcoholic beer also offers other health benefits. By excluding alcohol, you can improve your sleep, experience better muscle recovery, avoid hangovers, and reduce your risk of cancer in the long term. Alcohol is classified as a toxin and contributes to about 3 million deaths globally each year, so any way to limit your alcohol intake is beneficial for your health.

Non-alcoholic beer is also a good option for designated drivers, as it has less impact on blood alcohol concentration. However, it's important to note that non-alcoholic beer is not completely alcohol-free and can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy and by those with alcohol dependence or recovering from alcoholism, as even small amounts of alcohol can be detrimental.

Furthermore, non-alcoholic beer often contains natural ingredients and can be a good source of polyphenols, which are believed to have health benefits such as supporting circulation, reducing blood pressure, and lowering inflammation. These natural plant compounds are derived from the barley malt, hops, and yeast used in the brewing process.

While non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier alternative, it should still be consumed in moderation. Just like regular beer, it is high in carbohydrates and may lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Additionally, there are healthier sources of polyphenols, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

In summary, non-alcoholic beer can be a good substitute for alcoholic and soft drink alternatives, offering several health benefits due to its lower alcohol, calorie, and sugar content. However, it should be consumed in moderation and may not be suitable for everyone.

Non-alcoholic beer may help improve alcohol-related sleep issues

Drinking alcohol before bed can lead to poor sleep quality, with many people experiencing frequent wakings and feeling tired the next day. This is because alcohol disrupts the sleep cycle, causing more deep sleep and less REM sleep. Over time, this can lead to chronic sleep problems and disorders like sleep apnea.

Non-alcoholic beer, however, may help improve sleep quality. A study by Spanish researchers found that drinking non-alcoholic beer with dinner helped a group of nurses fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. The women also reported reduced anxiety levels.

The reason for this may lie in the hops, a major ingredient in beer that contains a sedative. Hops act on the central nervous system by increasing levels of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

While non-alcoholic beer may be a better option than regular beer for improving sleep, it's important to note that it still contains small amounts of alcohol and should be consumed in moderation.

Non-alcoholic beer may be unsuitable for those who are pregnant, alcohol-dependent, or in recovery from alcoholism

While non-alcoholic beer is a healthier alternative to regular beer, it may be unsuitable for certain groups of people.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol entirely, and non-alcoholic beer may contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume. As such, pregnant women should refrain from drinking non-alcoholic beer.

For those who are alcohol-dependent or in recovery from alcoholism, non-alcoholic beer may trigger cravings and a relapse. The small amount of alcohol in these beverages may be detrimental to those trying to maintain sobriety.

While non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier choice for many, it is important to consider individual circumstances and make an informed decision about consumption.

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