Drinking a glass of chilled beer is one of the most preferred ways to unwind and relax on a hot summer afternoon. While some beer lovers indulge in it guilt-free, others cannot shake off their worries, as alcohol consumption is generally considered a health risk.
But thanks to health researchers, it is now established that drinking beer may have positive effects on our health and well-being. Curious to know more? Keep reading, as we explore the benefits of drinking Beer in moderation in the sections below. But first.
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Nutritional Information on Beer
Of all the alcoholic beverages, wine is usually considered a healthy choice as it is rich in antioxidants. But did you know that beer is even better than wine in terms of nutritional value? Along with the goodness of antioxidants, beer also contains many vitamins and minerals that benefit our health.
Here’s some relevant information for you:
1 glass (350ml) of beer contains:
Vitamins found in beer include:
B vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6), fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), vitamin B12, folate, and choline.
Minerals found in beer include:
Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, and more.
When we say drinking beer can benefit your health, it doesn’t mean you’re free to gulp several pints of beer in one go. If you want to enjoy the benefits of drinking Beer, moderation is the key! Moderation means 1 standard beer for women and 2 for men per day (standard beer = 300-350ml)
Now that you know your limitations, let’s have a look at the potential benefits of drinking Beer.
Consuming one to two glasses of beer with an alcohol content of up to 5% is believed to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
This is attributed to the fact that beer increases the concentration of good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) in the body and reduces the concentration of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). The soluble fibre present in beer works wonders in keeping a check on bad cholesterol in the body.
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Beers such as pale ales contain phytochemicals that prevent the development of kidney stones in the body. Especially beers with high hop content are rich in these phytochemicals. So, if you’re a fan of pale ales, your kidneys probably have lower chances of developing kidney stones.
Bone density typically decreases as a person ages, leading to osteoporosis. This results in brittle bones that are more susceptible to fractures. Luckily, drinking beer in moderation is known to improve bone mass and ensure bone strength.
A study conducted on postmenopausal women in South Korea revealed that women who consumed up to three glasses in a week had better bone density than those who did not drink.
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Diabetes is one of the most common health concerns in the world. People with diabetes exhibit insulin resistance, and their bodies have a hard time regulating blood sugar levels.
Studies have, however, found that drinking beer with a low sugar content and in moderation can help reduce insulin resistance and maintain blood sugar levels in people with type-2 diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of developing the condition in otherwise healthy individuals.
Many men and women experience memory loss as they grow older. Diseases like Alzheimer’s start with subtle memory loss but can grow to the extent that the person can even lose the ability to carry out a normal conversation.
Beers containing hops have a flavonoid known as xanthohumol. This flavonoid combats memory degradation by protecting brain cells from oxidative damage. Therefore, people who stick to 1-2 glasses of beer per day can experience the benefit of improved brain function.
It is emphasized time and again that consuming fibre is essential for the digestive system. Because beer contains a good amount of soluble fibre—around 1 gram in 30 ml of beer—it supposedly helps in digestion. In addition, the bacterial content of beer can influence the gut microbiota, facilitate digestion, and promote gut health.
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No proof is needed for the fact that drinking a glass of chilled beer uplifts mood and helps people unplug and relax. Your stress levels automatically come down when you enjoy a glass of beer with friends. While the stress does seem to go away by spending some good time with friends, your glass of beer also has a role to play here.
Though not visible, your glass of beer contains several vital vitamins and minerals that play an important role in improving your mental health. Some studies also suggest that drinking beer can help with anxiety. However, more studies are required to support this. So, don’t go overboard with beer, as it may have the opposite effect and do more harm than good.
As you can see, there are many potential benefits of drinking Beer. While initial research supports these claims, more studies in this area would be beneficial.
Until then, you can relish a mug of cold beer as long as you drink no more than 1-2 glasses of 350ml each. Anything more than that can affect your health detrimentally and may lead to severe health conditions, including liver problems, cancer, and depression, along with the possibility of alcohol dependence.
So, do drink your favourite brew if you want to, but do so responsibly.
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Light to moderate drinking is usually safe for most people. Women can drink one 350ml glass of beer per day, whereas men can go up to two glasses. Not sure how much to drink? Check with your doctor to know if it is safe for you to drink and, if yes, how much.
Besides health risks, drinking too much beer can cause accidents and injuries. So, practising safe drinking is essential. Drinking water, eating well before and during beer consumption, and keeping a check on your number of drinks can ensure safety.
If you are younger than 21 years old, drinking is not allowed. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also refrain from drinking beer. If you have an existing medical condition and are taking medications for it, it is better to avoid drinking unless you discuss it with your doctor.
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Disclaimer: The content of this article is compiled information from generic and public sources. It is in no way a substitute, suggestion, or advice for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. Beato App does not claim responsibility for this information.
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