Beer Drinking: Pros And Cons

Beer is a drink made by fermenting sugars from starches. Barley, hops, water, and yeast are its major components. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Beer has been enjoyed by humans since around 3400 B.C., and the first written instructions for making it were recorded by the Sumerians in 1800 B.C.

Today, beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks worldwide, with several thousand breweries in the United States alone. While drinking beer in moderation can have some health benefits, excessive consumption can lead to serious health problems.

So, should we drink beer? The answer depends on various factors, including individual health, preferences, and responsible consumption. While beer can be a enjoyable beverage when consumed in moderation, it is important to be mindful of its potential negative effects and always drink responsibly.

Beer and health

Beer is a fermented beverage with a relatively low (or no) alcohol percentage. It is made from natural ingredients such as barley, hops, water, and yeast. Beer is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and some also contain antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Beer

• Lower risk of heart disease: Several reviews suggest that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower the risk of heart disease.
• Improved blood sugar levels: Drinking light amounts of alcohol may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively.
• Increased bone strength: Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones for men and postmenopausal women.

Risks of Beer

• Potential for addiction: All alcohol carries the potential for dependency.
• Reduced life expectancy: Heavy consumption significantly increases the risk of death from all causes.
• Increased risk of liver disease: Drinking more than two beers a day can increase the chances of developing fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.
• Weight gain: Many beers are high in calories, so drinking large amounts frequently can lead to substantial weight gain.

Beer and weight gain

Beer is often associated with weight gain, particularly around the belly, and this is commonly referred to as a "beer belly". However, drinking beer in moderation (one beer per day or less) is not linked with getting a beer belly.

Beer is high in carbohydrates and alcohol but low in almost all other nutrients. The calorie content of beer depends on its strength—the more alcohol it contains, the more calories it contains. A 12-ounce (355-millilitre) serving of regular beer with 4% alcohol content contains about 153 calories. A light beer has about 103 calories.

Drinking beer can cause weight gain in several ways:

• It increases your calorie intake: Beer contains as many calories as a soft drink gram for gram, so it can add a lot of calories to your diet.
• It may prevent fat burning: Alcohol is prioritised by the body over other sources of fuel, including stored fat. This means that regular drinking could lead to an increase in body fat.
• It contains phytoestrogens: The flowers of the hop plant, which give beer its flavour, are high in phytoestrogens—plant compounds that can mimic the female sex hormone oestrogen. It has been suggested that the hops in beer might cause hormonal changes in men that increase the risk of storing belly fat.

However, most studies have found that people who drink beer regularly and moderately do not develop beer bellies and may even weigh less than non-drinkers. The link between weight gain and drinking alcohol is stronger in men than women. This is thought to be because men tend to drink more heavily than women and are more likely to store fat around the belly when they gain weight.

To avoid weight gain, it is recommended to limit alcohol intake, exercise regularly, and improve your diet by reducing processed meats, sugary drinks, and refined grain products.

Beer and cancer

Beer is a drink made by fermenting sugars from starches. Barley, hops, water, and yeast are its major components. It can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Alcoholic drinks, including beer, are linked with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer.

Cancer Risks

Drinking alcohol raises your risk of getting several kinds of cancer. Studies show that drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day increases the risk of stomach and pancreatic cancers. It may also increase the risk of prostate cancer. The more alcohol a person drinks, the higher their risk of developing an alcohol-associated cancer. Even those who have no more than one drink per day and binge drinkers have a modestly increased risk of some cancers.

Types of Cancer

Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of the following types of cancer:

• Head and neck cancer: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a higher risk.
• Esophageal cancer: Alcohol consumption at any level is associated with an increased risk of a type of esophageal cancer called esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
• Liver cancer: Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with approximately a two-fold increased risk of two types of liver cancer.
• Breast cancer: Epidemiologic studies have found an increased risk of breast cancer with increasing alcohol intake.
• Colorectal cancer: Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a 1.2 to 1.5-fold increased risk.

Xanthohumol

The most amazing beer and health connection is xanthohumol, a flavonoid found only in hops. Xanthohumol is a potent antioxidant that inhibits cancer-causing enzymes. This compound is so beneficial that Germans have brewed a beer with extra levels of it.

Beer and heart health

Positive Effects of Moderate Beer Consumption:

• Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol intake, including beer, is associated with a reduced risk of developing heart disease in otherwise healthy individuals. This effect may be due to the ability of alcohol to increase "good" HDL cholesterol levels, prevent blood clotting, and reduce the damage caused by "bad" LDL cholesterol.
• Improved Cholesterol Levels: Beer, especially dark beer, is known for its antioxidants, which can help improve cholesterol levels. Beer can increase HDL cholesterol and reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, leading to a healthier cholesterol profile.
• No Weight Gain: Contrary to popular belief, moderate beer consumption does not seem to cause weight gain, even in individuals who are overweight or obese. This may be because beer is typically low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat.
• No Detrimental Effects on Vascular Function: Studies have shown that moderate beer consumption does not impair vascular endothelial function or cause arterial stiffness, which are early indicators of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
• Other Potential Benefits: Beer contains B vitamins, particularly folic acid, which is believed to reduce the risk of heart attacks. Beer also contains soluble fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent the absorption of unhealthy substances.

Negative Effects of Excessive Beer Consumption:

• High Blood Pressure: Regular or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Heart Failure and Cardiomyopathy: Heavy drinking can contribute to heart failure and cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle.
• Obesity and Related Health Issues: Alcohol is a source of excess calories and can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for various health problems, including heart disease.
• Other Health Problems: Excessive drinking is associated with a range of serious health issues, including liver disease, certain types of cancer, peptic ulcers, and dependence.

Recommendations:

It is important to note that the positive effects of moderate beer consumption on heart health are not conclusive and may be influenced by other lifestyle factors. Therefore, it is generally recommended that individuals who do not already drink should not start drinking solely for potential health benefits. For those who choose to drink, moderation is key. Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on overall health and increase the risk of heart-related problems.

Beer and cholesterol

Several studies have found that low to moderate beer consumption may have a positive impact on cholesterol levels. For example, a 2018 study published in Nutrients reported that moderate beer consumption (30 grams of alcohol per day for males and 15 grams per day for females) increased HDL levels after four weeks, without negatively affecting liver function or artery health. Similarly, a 2020 review of 26 high-quality studies in PLoS One concluded that low to moderate beer consumption increases HDL levels but has no significant effect on LDL or triglycerides.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption, including beer, can have negative impacts on cholesterol and overall health. Drinking too much beer can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and higher levels of triglycerides in the blood. Additionally, heavy alcohol use can lead to serious health conditions such as heart muscle disease, irregular heartbeat, congestive heart failure, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.

While moderate beer consumption may have some benefits on cholesterol levels, it is crucial to consume it in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional to understand the risks and benefits for your specific situation.

Frequently asked questions