Beer Benefits: Why Drinking Beer Is Good For You

Beer is often associated with a beer gut and inevitable weight gain. However, drinking beer in moderation can have several health benefits.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as having one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

- It contributes to our daily nutrient intake. Beer contains protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, folate, niacin, fibre, and silicon.

- It may lower the risk of diabetes.

- It may make your heart healthier by reducing the risk of inflammation and lowering the chances of forming a clot that can cause a blockage in the coronary artery.

- It may build stronger bones due to its silicon content, an essential mineral for bone formation.

- It may boost brain power by protecting the brain from compounds thought to cause cognitive diseases and increasing good cholesterol, which improves blood flow to the brain.

- It may help fight tooth decay and gum disease by preventing bacteria from forming and growing on teeth.

- It may reduce inflammation due to the anti-inflammatory properties of hops, an essential ingredient in beer.

- It may help you live longer by positively impacting cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of diabetes, and strengthening the heart.

- It may reduce the risk of kidney stones as beer is over 90% water.

- It may reduce the risk of stroke by improving blood flow and preventing small clots that can block arteries in the heart, neck, and brain.

- It may improve eye health by preventing mitochondrial damage, which is responsible for cataracts later in life.

- It may boost mental health by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, leaving you feeling calmer and more relaxed.

- It may minimize the risk of cancer due to its antioxidant content, specifically the flavonoid compound xanthohumol, found in hops.

- It may have positive effects on the skin and hair due to its vitamin content.

- It may delay ageing and promote longevity by increasing the levels and impact of vitamin E, acting as an antioxidant.

- It may flush out toxins from the body due to its diuretic properties.

Beer may reduce the risk of heart disease

Nevertheless, there is some evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may help to slightly raise levels of "good" HDL cholesterol. Additionally, beer is thought to help prevent heart disease by increasing HDL, or "good" cholesterol. Vitamin B6, found in beer, can also help to lower homocysteine levels, a risk factor for heart disease.

Furthermore, a study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in 2016 found that moderate drinkers had the slowest decline in HDL levels and, thus, a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study followed 80,000 participants for six years. Another study showed that, among men who had already suffered a heart attack, those who drank beer moderately were 42% less likely to die of heart disease.

However, it is important to note that excessive drinking is linked to poor health outcomes, including heart conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to stick to moderate levels of drinking, which is defined as an average of one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men.

Beer may improve cholesterol levels

Additionally, beer has been found to increase HDL cholesterol levels, the "good" type of cholesterol that helps remove cholesterol deposits from arteries and protects against heart attacks. This benefit is attributed to the presence of alcohol in beer, as moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower rates of heart disease and a reduced risk of blood clots and inflammation.

Furthermore, a study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in 2016 followed 80,000 participants for six years and discovered that moderate drinkers experienced the slowest decline in HDL cholesterol levels, resulting in a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. This finding suggests that beer may contribute to healthier cholesterol levels by slowing the decline of "good" cholesterol.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on cholesterol levels and overall health. Drinking more than moderate amounts of beer or other alcoholic beverages may raise total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Therefore, it is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation, which is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Beer may strengthen bones

Some studies have found that moderate beer consumption increased bone density in men and postmenopausal women. Silicon, an essential mineral for bone formation, is found in beer and is thought to be the main contributor to this effect. Silicon is also thought to be a key ingredient in improving bone mineral density.

However, other studies have found that alcohol consumption, particularly at higher levels, is associated with lower bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis. This may be due to the negative impact of alcohol on bone health, as well as the increased risk of falling and experiencing bone fractures while intoxicated.

Therefore, while some evidence suggests that beer may strengthen bones, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences of alcohol consumption and to consume beer in moderation.

Beer may boost nutrients

Beer is often associated with a beer gut and inevitable weight gain. However, beer contains several nutrients that can positively impact your health.

Beer is made from whole grains like wheat, maize, or rice, as well as fruits and spices. Thus, it is a good source of soluble fiber and contains small amounts of iron, potassium, and magnesium. It also has higher levels of protein and B vitamins than wine. The specific antioxidants in beer differ from those in wine because the barley and hops used in beer production contain flavonoids not found in grapes.

Beer is also one of the few significant dietary sources of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis. A review published in the International Journal of Endocrinology found that moderate beer consumption increased bone density in men.

Additionally, beer may contain prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in our gut. A study by Dalian Medical University in China found that the phenols and other nutrients in beer are broken down by the microbial community in the outer mucosal layer of the gut, positively impacting the immune system.

However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact your health, and the benefits of beer consumption should be weighed against potential risks.

Beer may reduce the risk of kidney stones

Firstly, prolonged beer intake can lead to dehydration, which is a risk factor for the formation of new kidney stones. Beer consumption can also contribute to weight gain and obesity, which is another risk factor for kidney stones. Additionally, beer contains constituents that can increase uric acid levels in the body, leading to a higher risk of uric acid crystals in the kidneys. Beer is also rich in purines, which can further increase uric acid levels and the development of uric acid stones.

However, an epidemiological study on the effects of different beverages on kidney stones found that beer reduced the risk of kidney stones by up to 41%. The study followed 194,095 people over eight years and found that beer, along with white and red wine, caffeinated and decaf coffee, orange juice, and tea reduced the risk of kidney stones.

While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is speculated that beer and other libations do not break down into harmful acids like soda does. Instead, they may contain beneficial compounds or antioxidants that positively influence kidney health.

It is important to note that excessive beer consumption can have negative health effects, including malnutrition, memory loss, mental problems, liver failure, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Therefore, moderation is key when it comes to beer intake, with the recommended amount being no more than 12 ounces (355 milliliters) per day.

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