Lager Beer: Healthy Choice Or Not?

Beer has been consumed for centuries, and while it is mainly composed of water, it also contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and polyphenols. Recent studies have shown that certain beers can be good for gut health and may even help prevent type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, dementia, and many types of cancer. However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative health consequences such as liver damage, weight gain, and reduced testosterone levels. So, is lager beer healthy? Let's find out.

Is Lager Beer Healthy?

Lager can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in moderation

According to a 2021 review published in Nutrients, drinking beer has been linked to increased bone mineral density for both men and women, and the consumption of one beer per week has been associated with a lower risk of hip fracture. Beer also contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, including several important nutrients that are most easily digestible in beer form. Beers rich in antioxidants have more colour, bitterness, richer flavours and aromas, and good foam stability. Most craft and artisanal beers are filled with a rich and diverse antioxidant profile, as more hops, grains, and yeast strains are used, with less filtration and minimal processing.

Some studies have also shown that beer may prevent osteoporosis, as humulone, which is found in hops, strongly inhibits bone resorption. Beer also contains natural antioxidants called phenols, which are also found in brightly coloured fruits like apples, oranges, and cranberries. Ales typically have one of the highest phenol concentrations.

However, it is important to remember that excessive drinking can increase your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and even cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle. Drinking alcohol has also been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as mouth, throat, colon, liver, and breast cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to consume lager in moderation and responsibly, following the CDC's guidelines to limit daily intake to two drinks or less for men and one drink or less for women.

Lagers are not the healthiest beers due to their processing

Lagers, for example, tend to be heavily filtered and carbonated, which reduces the amount of beneficial nutrients for the gut. Ales, on the other hand, typically have a higher concentration of phenols, which are natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, darker beers like stouts and porters tend to have more phenols, and studies have shown that beers containing higher levels of roasted malt have the most antioxidant content. These beers also have higher levels of silicon, which helps protect against osteoporosis.

Furthermore, the fermentation process plays a role in a beer's health benefits. Belgian beers, for example, are fermented twice, which increases the strength of the beer and the number of potentially useful microbes.

While light lagers can be consumed in moderation without derailing your diet, they are not the healthiest option due to their processing, which removes many of the beneficial nutrients found in other types of beers.

Lagers can be good for your heart health

A 2022 study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that men who drank a lager each evening had healthier guts. The study, which followed 22 men who drank a little more than half a pint of beer every day for four weeks, showed that the men had better markers of intestinal health.

The positive impact of lager on gut health is thought to be due to the presence of polyphenols in beer. Polyphenols are plant chemicals that are useful foods for the bacteria in the gut. They can help to control which bacteria thrive in the stomach, leading to improved gut health.

In addition, lager contains antioxidants, which can help to protect against heart disease. A 2010 study found that beers with higher amounts of antioxidants had higher levels of phenolics, which are associated with heart-protecting compounds.

While lager can have some health benefits, it's important to drink in moderation. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, as well as other health issues. The NHS recommends that adults drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, which is equivalent to six pints of beer.

Lagers can be good for your gut health

The benefits of lager for gut health are attributed to the presence of compounds such as polyphenols, as well as microorganisms from the fermentation process. These compounds and microorganisms can impact the variety of microbes in the human gut, leading to potential health benefits.

It's worth noting that excessive drinking can damage the healthy bacteria in your gut, so it's important to consume alcohol in moderation. Additionally, while lager can have potential gut health benefits, it's not a substitute for a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

When it comes to choosing a lager for gut health, unfiltered lagers may be a better option. The lack of processing means that there are more potentially useful chemicals left in the drink. For example, Stella Artois Unfiltered may be a good choice as it has more beneficial microbes.

In conclusion, lager beer can be good for your gut health when consumed in moderation. The diverse set of gut microbes and improved intestinal health associated with lager consumption can potentially reduce the risk of certain diseases. However, it's important to remember that excessive drinking can have negative effects, and lager should be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.

Lagers are not the best option for weight loss

Firstly, it is important to understand that beer can contribute a lot of calories, which can make it challenging for those trying to lose weight. The alcohol content and carb content of beer determine its caloric content, and regulators do not require calorie information to appear on beer containers, making it difficult to choose lower-calorie options. Lagers, in particular, can sometimes be the strongest beers on offer, and they contain a significant number of calories. A 12-ounce lager can contain around 180 calories, which can quickly add up if consumed in large quantities.

Additionally, alcohol can impact your metabolism and increase fat storage, leading to weight gain, especially around the midsection. Heavy alcohol intake can also increase waist size, central body fat, and elevate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. These factors can hinder your weight loss goals and even lead to weight gain.

Moreover, alcohol can lower your inhibitions and make you more likely to make poor food choices. Consuming extra calories from both alcohol and unhealthy food choices can make it much harder to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

While lagers are not the best option for weight loss, there are some lower-calorie beers available, such as light beers or low-percentage ABV beers. However, it is important to drink in moderation and be mindful of your overall calorie intake to support your weight loss journey.

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