Craft Beers: Healthier Choice, Better Taste

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with microbreweries and taprooms popping up in cities across the globe. While many people enjoy craft beer for its unique flavours and high-quality ingredients, some may not be aware of its potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Craft beer contains a range of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which are found in the hops and barley used to brew beer. These compounds can help to reduce inflammation, improve blood vessel function, and lower blood pressure. In addition, the hops in craft beer contain compounds called humulones, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Craft beer may also be beneficial for gut health. Like many fermented foods, beer contains live cultures of bacteria that can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome, which has been linked to improved digestion, better immune function, and a reduced risk of depression.

Craft beer is also a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system. These vitamins are found in the yeast used to ferment beer and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline.

Furthermore, beer is one of the few dietary sources of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Craft beer contains more silicon than mass-produced beers since it is often made with high levels of malted barley and hops.

However, it is important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver disease, certain types of cancer, and other health problems. Therefore, craft beer should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Craft beer is a good source of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis

The presence of silicon in beer depends on the ingredients used and the brewing process. Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are the richest in silicon. Pale ales, for example, tend to have higher silicon content due to less heat stress during the malting process. On the other hand, darker beers like chocolate, roasted barley, and black malt have lower silicon content.

While the specific link between beer consumption and bone health requires further research, some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption may help fight osteoporosis. This is especially true for men and premenopausal women, as silicon may positively affect bone collagen turnover and bone matrix proteins.

It's important to note that excessive alcohol consumption is associated with negative health effects, including an increased risk of certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, it is recommended to consume craft beer in moderation as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Craft beer contains B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function

Craft beer is rich in vitamins, including B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. B vitamins are found in the yeast used to ferment beer, and some studies have shown that they may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. While B vitamins can also be found in other foods, craft beer can be a tasty and convenient way to get a dose of these important nutrients.

Craft beer is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against free radicals

The main antioxidants in beer are polyphenols, phenolic acids, and Maillard reaction products and enzymes. Polyphenols are recognised as preventers of colon cancer and are also able to cause positive changes in the gut microbiota. Phenolic acids are the most abundant antioxidants in European beers, while gallic acid predominates in Brazilian or Serbian beers.

The antioxidant activity of beer is generally expressed as equivalents of trolox (TE) per litre (mmol TE/L). The DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, FRAP, TRAP methods are those that are routinely used for the measurement of antioxidant activity in beers due to their better sensitivity, convenience, and short assay times.

Craft beer may be beneficial for gut health, as it contains live cultures of bacteria that can promote a healthy gut microbiome

Research has shown that drinking beer can help improve the diversity of the microbial populations in the gut. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer increased the diversity of the microbial populations in the gut, with an increase in the activity of an enzyme that helps defend the gut from bad bacteria.

Craft beers, in particular, often contain live cultures of bacteria, which are essential for good gut health. Some craft beers have also started incorporating probiotic bacteria, which can be beneficial for gut health and sleeping patterns.

However, it is important to note that the alcohol in beer can cancel out any positive effects on gut health. Therefore, drinking in moderation is key. While craft beer may offer some gut health benefits, it should not be considered a health drink, and excessive consumption can lead to negative consequences.

Craft beer may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's, diabetes, osteoporosis, and hypertension

Alzheimer's

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. However, moderate drinking may lower the risk. A 2020 study showed that moderate alcohol intake, defined as consuming 1-13 standard drinks per week, could lower a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's.

Diabetes

According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes do not need to cut alcohol out of their diet. Light drinking, defined as no more than one to two drinks a day, may even be beneficial for people with diabetes. However, it is important to note that alcohol can interfere with blood sugar levels and cloud judgment, so it is crucial to drink in moderation and not on an empty stomach.

Osteoporosis

Beer contains silicon, polyphenols, and iso-α-acids, which may have a protective effect against osteoporosis. A 2-year clinical trial investigated the effect of moderate daily intake of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer on bone tissue in postmenopausal women. The results showed that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer consumption increased bone formation markers, but there was no significant effect on bone mineral density or trabecular bone score.

Hypertension

Craft beer contains phenolic compounds, which are associated with various health benefits. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels and preventing thrombosis and atherosclerosis. However, excessive alcohol consumption can have harmful effects on health, including an increased risk of hypertension. Therefore, it is essential to drink in moderation.

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