Cheers to the Health Benefits of Beer!
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Cheers to the Health Benefits of Beer!

Could it possibly be true that beer has physical and mental health benefits? It is probably more common to hear that wine, especially red varieties, is high in antioxidants and is good for heart health. It is now understood that beer, too, provides many of the same health benefits as wine. Regardless of the type of beer preferred, studies show that drinking beer in moderation, meaning 2 beers per day, can reduce the risk of stroke as well as heart disease.

After all, what exactly is in beer? The main ingredient is usually pure, spring water from a reliable source. It contains no cholesterol or fat, but has low to moderate levels of carbohydrates. Beer does contain an average of 25mg of salt, which isn’t all that bad. And, the good news is that most beers contain protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins B, B2, and B6 alcohol.

Stroke and Heart Health

Believe it or not, you can find medical articles in sources like the New England Journal of Medicine which show that light to moderate beer drinkers decrease their chance of stroke by 20%. Some studies show that drinking moderate amounts of beer lowers the chance of developing coronary disease by 30-40%, compared to people who don’t drink at all. Why is this? Beer contains similar amounts of polyphenols as red wine and 4 to 5 times as many polyphenols as white wine.

The American Medical Association has published reports that found that drinkers of alcohol, including beer, had a lower risk of dying from a heart attack. It appears that alcohol helps prevent heart disease by boosting levels of HDL cholesterol and by thinning the blood and reducing insulin levels. HDL cholesterol is the “good” type that protects the heart from heart attacks.

As a blood thinner, alcohol increases bleeding time, acting as a blood thinner and reducing the risk of coronary thrombosis. Alcohol also lowers insulin levels, which is beneficial for non-diabetics, because it reduces the chance of developing atherosclerosis or so-called, “hardening of the arteries”.

Beer contains vitamin B6, which prevents the build-up of the amino-acid homocysteine that has been linked to heart disease. People with higher levels of homocysteine tend to be at higher risk of an earlier onset of heart and vascular disease.

What Else is Beer Good For?

Drinking beer may reduce risks of developing kidney stones. In some studies, there is up to a 40% lower risk of kidney stones among beer drinkers. Beer has also been associated with better brain health. Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol use may protect the brain from mental decline associated with the aging process.

It is well-known that beer has a calming and relaxing effect for most people. It can reduce stress and improve sleep. Beer has been shown to particularly benefit older adults and seniors, as it promotes blood vessel dilation, sleep and improved urine output.

Quotes About Beer

History is full of characters who were known to love their brew. Ben Franklin once said “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”. Archie Bunker, from the hit sitcom All in the Family stated “You can never buy beer. You just rent it”. The world leader Winston Churchill is known for saying “Always remember that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me”. The comedian W.C. Fields says “A woman drove me to drink and I didn’t even have the decency to thank her”. And, the greatest crooner ever, Frank Sinatra said “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day”.

Final Thoughts on the Health Benefits of Beer

Almost everything we eat or drink can provide health benefits as long as they are consumed in moderation. Most people know about the health benefits of wine, but most are uninformed about those associated with beer. The good news is, it’s never too late to learn! Cheers!

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