Malt Beer: Healthy Beverage Or Unhealthy Indulgence?

Malt is a common ingredient in beer, and while it is often used as a sweetener or flavour enhancer, it also has several health benefits. It is a type of cereal grain that undergoes a drying process called malting, where it is soaked in water and dried with hot air to stop its germination. This process causes the grain to develop enzymes that break starches into sugars and amino acids. Malt is rich in nutrients and has been linked to improved digestive health, enhanced mood, better heart health, and reduced antinutrients. However, it is still considered an added sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Malt beer is a source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids

Malt is a cereal grain that has been used as a sweetener and flavour enhancer. It is produced by sprouting barley, which unlocks the grain's enzymes using only water and heat. This natural process releases the nutritional power of the whole grain.

Malt is a source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It is rich in B-complex vitamins, including vitamin B6, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and folic acid. It also contains vitamin C and other vitamins.

In terms of minerals, malt is a good source of dietary silicon, selenium, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc. It also contains macro-minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as micro-minerals like iron, zinc, and manganese.

Malt also provides essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. These amino acids are utilised by yeast in the brewing process.

The nutritional profile of malt varies depending on the type of grain used and the malting process. For example, the non-diastatic form of malt has deactivated enzymes due to heat processing, while diastatic malt contains active enzymes.

It can improve digestive health

Malt is a cereal grain that undergoes a drying process called malting. It is first soaked in water and then dried with hot air to stop its germination. This process causes the grain to develop certain enzymes that break starches into shorter chains of sugars. Other enzymes produced during this process help break the proteins in the grain into smaller amino acids that can be used by the yeast.

Malt extract supports the growth of probiotic cultures that aid good bacteria in the gut. The bacteria can improve your immune function, regulate your cholesterol levels and enhance nutrient absorption.

How Malt Beer Improves Digestive Health

Malted grains have been found to support digestive health. Several studies have shown that malt extract assists with the growth of probiotic cultures, which support gut health, including the good bacteria and gut lining. This beneficial form of bacteria plays a central role in nearly every aspect of health and disease, with research showing that the health of your gut microbiome can influence immune function, nutrient absorption, cholesterol levels and more.

Malted barley, in particular, has been shown to have digestive benefits. According to a study, malted barley supported the growth of probiotic cultures that aid good bacteria in the gut. The bacteria can improve immune function, regulate cholesterol levels and enhance nutrient absorption.

Additionally, the process of malting can also increase the digestibility of cereal grains. This is because malting reduces the content of antinutrients, which are compounds that decrease the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. One study found that treating sorghum and pearl millet with a combination of malting and fermentation significantly improved the digestibility of protein and reduced levels of antinutrients that interfere with nutrient absorption.

Beer and Digestive Health

Beer has also been found to have benefits for digestive health. According to a study by Eric Classen, strong Belgian beers like Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier have more probiotics than their weaker counterparts. The difference lies in the fermentation process. While most beers are only fermented once, these strong Belgian beers undergo a second fermentation, resulting in a higher content of a specific type of probiotic yeast that kills disease-causing bacteria in the gut.

However, it is important to note that excessive drinking can damage the healthy bacteria in the gut. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to consuming beer for its potential digestive health benefits.

It can enhance your mood

Malt is a cereal grain that is commonly used as a sweetener or flavour enhancer in beer, cereals, milkshakes, and baked goods. It is produced by first soaking the grain in water and then drying it with hot air to prevent germination. This process, known as malting, results in the development of enzymes that break down starches into sugars and amino acids. While malt is considered an added sugar and can have negative health impacts when consumed in excess, it also offers several nutritional benefits. One of these benefits is its positive effect on mood and mental health.

Malt, particularly barley malt, contains a compound called hordenine, which has been studied for its mood-boosting effects. A 2017 study published in Scientific Reports found that hordenine activates a specific dopamine receptor in the brain, promoting a better mood. This may be why beer, which often contains malt, is associated with positive emotional responses, such as feeling relaxed and energised.

The hordenine found in malt may contribute to the mood-elevating effects associated with beer consumption. In a study of 29,836 participants from 21 countries, it was found that beer was one of the most relaxing alcoholic beverages, with almost 50% of respondents indicating that it helped them unwind. This may be due to the presence of hordenine, which can enhance mood and improve mental health.

The effects of alcohol on mood may also be influenced by factors such as age, gender, drinking patterns, and cultural context. For example, younger participants in the study were more likely to report increased confidence and energy levels when consuming any type of alcohol in a social setting. Women also tended to have stronger emotional responses to alcohol, except when it came to aggression, which was more commonly reported by men, especially heavy drinkers.

While the specific compound hordenine has been linked to the positive mood effects of malt, it is important to note that excessive consumption of malt-containing products, such as beer, can have negative consequences. As with all things, moderation is key to reaping the potential benefits of malt while minimising any potential harm.

It may help lower cholesterol levels

Malt is a common ingredient in beer, and while it is often used as a sweetener or flavour enhancer, it does have some health benefits.

Malt may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. A study on rats showed that those fed with malted barley had lower levels of "bad" LDL and VLDL cholesterol compared to those fed with wheat bran. Another study on mice showed that moderate beer consumption reduced cholesterol in the liver and cholesterol deposits in the aorta, the body's largest artery. However, it is important to note that the same results may not apply to humans, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

Malt contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and dietary silicon, which have various health benefits. The process of malting also increases the digestibility of cereal grains by reducing antinutrient content, which is responsible for slower digestion and nutrient absorption.

While beer does not naturally contain cholesterol, it can increase triglyceride levels, which are a type of fat that is part of total cholesterol count. Beer contains carbohydrates and alcohol, which can raise triglyceride levels, especially in people who are more sensitive to the effects of beer.

Some studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption can increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels, which help remove "bad" LDL cholesterol from the body. However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to consume alcohol in moderation and consult a doctor or medical professional for personalized advice.

It is a natural sweetener

Malt is a natural sweetener and cereal grain with several health benefits. It is a type of cereal grain, usually barley, that has undergone a traditional drying process called malting. The grain is soaked in water to help it sprout and is then dried with hot air to stop germination. This process, which dates back to the early Egyptians, unlocks the grain's enzymes, breaking starches down into shorter chains of sugars.

Malt has a sweet, rich, nutty and caramel-like flavour, making it a popular ingredient in many foods and drinks. It is commonly used in beer, malted milkshakes, energy drinks, baked goods, cereals and snacks.

Malt is a good source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and dietary silicon, which support bone health. It is particularly nutrient-dense in minerals such as selenium, manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as B vitamins.

Malt is also a natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index than table sugar. It is made from whole grains and contains no fructose, which is considered a toxin processed by the liver.

Malt is a functional ingredient that can be used as a natural sweetener in beverages, baked goods, nut butter and other foods. It is a healthier alternative to table sugar, providing a range of essential nutrients and supporting digestive health.

Frequently asked questions