The Health Benefits of...Beer?

 

Yes, you read the title correctly! There is more news coming out on how beer is healthy for you. But don’t take our word for it. The U.S. National Library of Medicine shared a study that beer could reduce the risk of certain diseases, like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and could reduce kidney stones. “Moderate alcohol intake improves lipoprotein metabolism and lowers cardiovascular mortality risk. The question now is whether additional health benefits associated with the non-alcohol components in beer may be expected. A series of studies using animal models have shown that beer may prevent carcinogenesis and osteoporosis." Beer provides protection from oxidative stress and it may improve obesity. We have more health benefits of drinking beer. It can reduce the risk of cataracts, prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, and help protect you from Alzheimer’s disease. Remember all things in moderation. If you keep this in mind you can all enjoy the benefits without the guilt.

Lower Heart Attack Risks for Women

Drinking beer is good for the heart. The Scandinavian Journal of Public Health Care shared women who drank beer 
once a week reduced the risk of having a heart attack or other illnesses. About "1,500 women were asked about the frequency of their consumption of beer, wine or spirits (from 'daily' to 'nothing in the past 10 years'), and about various physical symptoms.The results revealed that over the 32-year follow-up period, 185 women had a heart attack, 162 suffered a stroke, 160 developed diabetes and 345 developed cancer.” The study followed these women from 1968 to 2000 who were asked about their frequency of drinking beer from the ages of 70 to 92. The report showed that women who consumed beer on a regular basis were less likely to have heart attacks than those who did not drink beer. These findings are great, but we need to remember, that there is no guarantee that drinking beer or even wine will prevent disease. We also need to look at genetics and how we live as factors.

Protects the Brain

There are so many people suffering from cognitive impairments. Researchers are constantly looking into new ways to find cures through diet, chemistry and reversing genetics. Having a couple beers a week was found to help protect people from Alzheimer’s and Parkenson’s. Xanthohumol comes from the hops in the beer and the compound was found to “Oxidative stress refers to the production of deadly free-radicals faster than the body can detoxify against them. It is a process that occurs in many disorders of the brain such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and in many other diseases, such as cancer. In cells grown in a dish, xanthohumol has been tested in several studies and it appears to prevent the formation of cancer,” Alzheimer’s News reported. Other studies also were done at Loyola University on how moderate beer drinkers were also less likely to suffer cognitive impairment. Research is always ongoing until a cure is found. But beer holds some promise.

Full of Vitamins

Dark beers have the most antioxidants, carry more vitamins, and help cholesterol. “The hops, yeast, and grains in beer contribute carbohydrates, a small amount of B vitamins, and potassium. But don't plan to get your nutrients from beer, or to drink beer or any other alcoholic beverage for health benefits. And if you don't drink now, most health experts don't recommend that you start," WebMD offered. Again, everything needs to be in moderation as you can gain weight and dehydrate from drinking too much alcohol. The consequences are great when there is excess.The bottom line here is just because it can be good, doesn't mean we can chug gallons of the golden or dark brew without the negative consequences. We know the reasons are the more you drink the more at risk you put yourself with other diseases, and then the good news just fades away. Drink dark brews, but be wise.

Glass of Goodness

Researchers found that consuming beer helps the eyes and could prevent cataracts, Canadian researchers found. But you need to drink one beer a day. “Antioxidants protect the mitochondria against this damage. We think that may be one of the factors that are contributing to the lower risk of cataracts in people who have one drink a day,” a press release published in Science Daily claimed. "Antioxidants protect the mitochondria against this damage. We think that may be one of the factors that are contributing to the lower risk of cataracts in people who have one drink a day." The study also found that beer can help lower heart disease in people due to its antioxidants. It gets even better. Drinking two beers a day could boost the immune system and fight infections like the common cold! Just when you thought we were through with the benefits. Beer is good for the bones. Men’s Health reported beer can also reduce fractures, and strengthen bones. “Guys who stuck to one or two brews had up to 4.5 percent greater bone density than non-drinkers—but more than two beers were associated with up to 5.2 percent lower density.”

Finding the Balance

This beer thing sounds seriously awesome. Drinking in moderation is key, and not a license to overdue the alcohol consumption. Beer is not the only item to avoid in excess. Scientists found chocolate, coffee and wine all have benefits, but engulfing large quantities of these feel-good items will destroy the positives. It is the same scenario for beer. Enjoy a pint once or twice a week to take pleasure in its sheer goodness and relax. Cheers to you and to good health!

Beliefnet