Arabella Franco
Unfiltered beer is often viewed with suspicion, with many drinkers believing that cloudy beer is badly kept, too warm, or the dregs of the barrel. However, unfiltered beer is healthier than filtered beer. Filtration removes yeast, which diminishes flavour and nutrients such as B vitamins, folic acid, probiotics, and fibre. Unfiltered beer is also more flavourful, with a deeper flavour and texture that continues to develop after bottling.
What You'll Learn
Unfiltered beer is more nutritious
Unfiltered beer is rich in vitamins B3, B6, and folic acid, as well as iron, protein, fibre, phosphates, and calcium. Folic acid is proven to prevent heart attacks. Unfiltered beer also contains soluble fibre, which aids digestion. The large percentage of magnesium and potassium in unfiltered beer is also advantageous.
Unfiltered beer is considered a food instead of a drink by some nutritionists. When consumed in moderation, it can help you live longer by providing a dose of cancer-fighting antioxidants and sweeping up bad cholesterol.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, unfiltered beer has a more complex flavour than filtered beer. It is slightly bitter and more grainy on the tongue, giving it a deeper flavour and texture. Unfiltered beer also has a stronger aroma, as the yeast and malt are not filtered out.
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It has a stronger aroma
Unfiltered beer has a stronger aroma than filtered beer. When yeast and malt are filtered out of beer, the aromas imbued during the brewing process are toned down. In contrast, unfiltered beer retains yeast and proteins, resulting in a fuller, more complex flavour and aroma profile. Yeast imparts additional esters and phenols, enhancing the beer's fruity, spicy, or earthy notes.
Unfiltered beers, such as Hazy IPAs or New England IPAs, are purposely hazy or murky and have a well-known creamy and smooth texture. They also have a slight juiciness instead of the bitterness found in West Coast IPAs. The haze in unfiltered beers is due to the presence of suspended yeast, proteins, and other particles. This haziness can range from slight turbidity to an opaque appearance, depending on the beer style and the extent of filtration.
The stronger aroma of unfiltered beer is just one aspect that contributes to its complex sensory experience. Unfiltered beer also offers a richer, creamier mouthfeel due to the presence of suspended solids, making the beer feel more substantial and satisfying on the palate.
The decision to drink filtered or unfiltered beer ultimately comes down to personal preference. While unfiltered beer may have a stronger aroma and offer a more complex sensory experience, filtered beer provides clarity, consistency, and a longer shelf life.
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It's considered safer than water
Unfiltered beer is considered healthier than filtered beer. Filtration removes yeast and other proteins, reducing the nutritional value of the beer. Unfiltered beer, on the other hand, is considered a food by some nutritionists due to its high nutritional content. It is rich in vitamins B3, B6, and folic acid, as well as iron, protein, fiber, phosphates, and calcium. In addition, unfiltered beer contains a large amount of soluble fiber, which aids digestion, and has a high percentage of magnesium and potassium.
The misconception that unfiltered beers are unfinished or dirty is untrue. Unfiltered beers are not filtered before bottling, resulting in a less clear appearance compared to filtered beers. However, this lack of filtration allows the flavor to develop further, giving unfiltered beers a slightly bitter and more grainy taste. The aroma of unfiltered beer is also much stronger due to the presence of yeast and malt.
Historically, beer, especially unfiltered beer, was consumed for its nutritional value. Early beers were rich, unfiltered, grain-based brews that provided essential nutrients. While modern beers are not as nutritious, unfiltered beers still retain some of these nutritional properties.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, unfiltered beer has other advantages over filtered beer. The presence of yeast and hops in unfiltered beer provides health benefits such as preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of viral respiratory infections. The silicon content in beer also helps promote bone health and may play a role in preventing Alzheimer's disease.
It is worth noting that the health benefits of beer, whether filtered or unfiltered, are typically associated with moderate consumption. Excessive beer consumption can negate any potential health benefits.
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It's better for your kidneys
Unfiltered beer is better for your kidneys for several reasons. Firstly, unfiltered beer is a good source of B vitamins, including folic acid, which has been proven to prevent heart attacks. Beer also contains anti-clotting ingredients that keep veins and blood vessels clean and healthy.
Secondly, unfiltered beer can help prevent kidney stones. The water and alcohol content of the beer helps increase urine flow and dilute urine, thus preventing kidney stones from forming.
Thirdly, unfiltered beer contains orthosilicic acid, which helps prevent menopausal osteoporosis. This mineral also makes it easier for the body to metabolize, which can indirectly benefit kidney health.
Finally, unfiltered beer is rich in silicon, which is an essential factor in bone mineral density. There is also evidence of a link between silicon in beer and a lower instance of kidney stones, which are made up of calcium deposits.
It is important to note that these health benefits are dependent on moderate consumption. Excessive drinking can have harmful effects on the kidneys and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume unfiltered beer in moderation to promote kidney health.
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It's good for your hair
Is Unfiltered Beer Healthier? Its Good for Your Hair!
You may have heard the age-old myth that beer is great for your hair, and surprisingly, there is some truth to it! But not just any beer—unfiltered beer has some additional benefits for your locks. The brewing process for unfiltered beer retains the natural yeast and nutrients that are typically removed in filtered varieties, and it is these extra goodies that can give your hair a boost.
Unfiltered beer often contains higher levels of vitamins and minerals, including biotin (vitamin B7), which is known to promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles. The yeast left in the beer also provides a great source of protein, another essential for healthy hair. These natural ingredients can nourish your hair from the inside out, encouraging stronger, healthier hair growth.
But that's not all—the benefits of unfiltered beer for your hair don't stop at the sip. The brew can also be used topically as a hair treatment. The natural sugars and yeast in unfiltered beer can help to clarify and add shine to your hair. Simply work flat beer into wet hair, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse. This treatment can help to remove build-up and leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny.
Unfiltered beer also contains antioxidants, which can benefit the scalp. A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair, and the antioxidants can help to reduce inflammation and promote a balanced pH level, creating an optimal environment for hair growth. So, the next time you're considering a beer, go for the unfiltered variety and give your hair a treat!
A word of caution, however: while unfiltered beer can provide these hair-boosting benefits, it is still alcohol, and excessive consumption can lead to dehydration, which is not ideal for optimal hair health. As with everything, moderation is key. So, enjoy your unfiltered beer, reap the hair benefits, and remember to drink responsibly!
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Frequently asked questions
Unfiltered beer is a good source of B vitamins, including folic acid, which can help prevent heart attacks. It also contains soluble fibre, which aids digestion, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Unfiltered beer is considered healthier than filtered beer as it has more B vitamins, probiotics and fibre. However, the alcohol in beer can inhibit the absorption of B vitamins, so it's important to consume it in moderation.
Unfiltered beers are often simply called "unfiltered beer". Other terms include "Kellerbier" (or "cellar beer") and "Zwickel Lager", which refer to beers that were stored in caves or cellars during maturation. Unfiltered beers are also often called hazy beers, such as Hazy IPAs.
Unfiltered beers are thought to have more flavour than filtered beers due to the presence of more raw compounds from the yeast. They also have a deeper texture and continue to develop flavour even after bottling.
