Feel guilty
about drinking a beer or two? Don’t feel guilty. Contrary to
what you might expect, moderate beer consumption is actually good for you.
Science has shown that beer can bring many surprising health benefits even
though it’s usually perceived as unhealthy. Just remember, we’re talking
moderate consumption (one drink per day for women, and up to two for men), not
all-night drinking sprees. Here are some remarkable and surprising beer
benefits that might change your perception of the drink.
1. It can help reduce
risk of heart disease
One eye-opening study involving
200,000 subjects conducted at Italy’s Fondazion di Ricerca e
Cura found that people who drank a pint of beer daily had a 31% reduced
chance of heart disease. This heart-protecting power of beer stems largely from
beer’s natural antioxidants called phenols.
However, the study also showed risk of heart disease increased in people who
consumed higher amounts of beer.
2. It can help protect
against Alzheimer’s disease
Perhaps one of the
most remarkable health benefits of beer is its ability to protect against
Alzheimer’s. Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of
Medicine analyzed several studies and came to the conclusion that moderate beer
drinkers were 23% less likely to develop different forms of dementia and
cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s. The silicon content in beer is
thought to protect the brain from the harmful effects of high amounts of
aluminum in the body, which are one of the possible causes of Alzheimer’s.
3. It can help lower
risk of diabetes
This is another
remarkable benefit of moderate beer consumption. According to a 2011 Harvard
study of about 38,000 middle-aged men, those who drank one to two beers daily
had a 25% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The alcohol
content in beer increases insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent diabetes.
Moreover, beer is a good source of soluble fiber that plays an important role
in the healthy diet of people suffering from diabetes.
4. It can help prevent
kidney stones
A study conducted in
Finland established that moderate daily consumption of beer can reduce the risk
of developing kidney stones by 40%. This health benefit is attributed to beer’s
high water content (about 93%) that helps flush harmful toxins out of the body
and keep the kidneys working properly. Also, compounds in hops used in brewing
help slow the release of calcium from bones, which in turn prevents build up of
lost calcium in the kidney in the form of stones.
5. It can help
minimize risk of cancer
Beer contains an
important antioxidant known as xanthohumol. Xanthohumol is known
to have powerful anti-cancer properties that help fend off cancer-causing
enzymes in the body. Specifically, moderate beer consumption helps prevent a
certain chemical reaction that can lead to prostate cancer in men. Beer has
also been shown to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer in women.
6. It can help reduce
cholesterol levels
If you’d like an
unorthodox method for cutting your cholesterol levels, indulging in moderate
beer consumption may be the way to go. The barley used in brewing of beer
contains a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucans that has been
shown to help in lowering
cholesterol levels.
7. It can help manage
blood pressure
You may also be
interested to know that beer can help manage blood pressure. That’s according
to a Harvard study that found that women aged 25 to 40 who drank beer
moderately were significantly less likely to develop high blood pressure
compared to women who drank wine or other alcoholic beverages.
8. It can help
strengthen bones
Beer contains decent
levels of silicon, an element that is linked with bone health. One study
conducted at Tufts in 2009 established that older individuals who drank one or
two glasses of beer daily had higher bone density, and thus were less prone to
fractures than those who did not enjoy a glass of beer or wine. However, the
study also found that consuming more than two drinks increased risk of bone
fractures.
9. It can help treat
dandruff
Another interesting
fact about beer is that it is considered one of the best natural treatments for
dandruff. This particular health benefit of beer is attributed to its high
yeast and vitamin B content levels. Just rinse your hair with a bottle of
beer two to three times a week to get rid of dandruff and make your hair extra
soft and shiny.
10. It can help cut
down risk of strokes
Studies by the
American Stroke Association have shown that people who drink moderate amounts
of beer can cut their risk of strokes by – get this – a whopping 50% compared
to non-drinkers. Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health explain that
moderate amounts of beer daily helps prevent blood clots that block blood flow
to the heart, neck and brain, which is a leading cause of ischemic stroke.
However, when you drink beer moderately, your arteries become flexible and
blood flow improves significantly.
Remember the key to
reaping these amazing health benefits of beer is moderate consumption.
Overindulgence in beer and other alcoholic drinks can be disastrous to your
health.
