There are definitely strong opinions when considering alcohol consumption and its overall impact on health, but there are also a host of well-documented benefits that can be had when drinking the right types. For example, red wine is well known to improve heart health, so you may be wondering if there are any benefits when it comes to drinking beer.
What are the benefits of drinking beer?
The first thing to keep in mind is that moderation is key. Overconsumption of any alcohol will undoubtedly have a negative impact on your physical and even mental health. With beer in mind, dietary guidelines currently suggest that one alcoholic drink per day for women and two for men can provide some benefits to a healthy lifestyle.
Here are 6 benefits of drinking beer:
1. Improve heart-health
As we mentioned heart health already, it’s only fair to put this benefit at the top of our list. What you may not know is that beer has a higher percentage of the worthwhile nutrients that are present in red wine that go toward improving heart function (protein and B vitamins) and there are also cholesterol-binding sterols present to help unclog arteries.
2. Boost your daily nutrient intake
Beer can be calorie-dense (with different types and brands varying from 180-250 calories), but it actually has a host of nutrients that can contribute to your daily intake, such as protein, B vitamins, antioxidants, flavonoids, fibre, folate, niacin, silicon and potentially even worthwhile prebiotics.
3. Improve your mood
Beer is known for being a depressant, but as there are components such as the natural chemical hordeline present, the D2 receptor in the brain is actually activated when drinking it. This means that with the right amount in your diet, you may see a general improvement in your overall mood.
4. Build strong bones and improve joint health
As mentioned above, one of the nutrients found in beer is silicone and this can work to increase bone density and improve joint flexibility when issues like aging and arthritis have a negative effect.
5. Increase brain function
Silicon can also help to protect the brain from the compounds that potentially attribute to tissue damage and cognitive disease, while the cholesterol-binding sterols help to boost blood flow. This could go towards lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia and keep you sharper for longer.
6. Reduce inflammation
One of the biggest factors in the development of diseases is inflammation. The phenolic compounds present in beer (typically via hops) can have a worthwhile anti-inflammatory effect on the body, so drinking beer daily can be a good move.
Should I start drinking beer?
These 6 benefits could be the tip of the iceberg as science and technology continue to evolve – and we’re likely to see more and more applications for drinking beer and a healthy diet in the future. There is already some discussion being had about its potential to provide longevity in life, but for now, remember that moderation is your best asset when improving your overall health.
