When most people think of the relationship between beer and their bodies, images of the ever-dreaded beer belly flash through their minds. But what if we told you that’s not the whole story when it comes to kicking back with a cold one?
Research has consistently shown that moderate—yes, we said moderate—consumption of beer can actually improve your health, from reducing your risk of heart disease to strengthening your bones.
Get buzzed off the best beer benefits, and lose the guilt over your nightly ale.
- Beer is good for the heart: Several studies show that consumption of beer could reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. This is because beer has a thinning effect on blood and reduces the chances of forming a clot which can cause a blockage in the coronary artery. It also reduces the risk of inflammation which has the potential to cause atherosclerosis.
- Beer helps in losing weight: A study conducted by Oregon State Univerity found that xanthohumol, a chemical flavonoid found in beer, helps reduce weight and cholesterol levels.
- Beer improves cholesterol level: Beer helps increase the levels of lipoprotein- the good type of cholesterol which prevents plaque buildup in the arteries. Beer also has high amounts of fiber which helps reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol the bad type of cholesterol.
- Beer promotes better bowel movement: A regular bottle of beer contains around 20 percent of the recommended regular dosage of fiber, which helps in better bowel function.
- Beer minimizes the risk of cancer: Xanthohumol, an antioxidant, that is found in beer plays a major role in the prevention of cancer. Beer is also a good source of polyphenols which helps in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
- Beer helps boost mental health: Studies claim that beer can help protect the brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Drinking beer also increases the amount of dopamine in the brain which can make you feel calmer and relaxed.
- Beer helps in improving the eyesight: Enzymes and antioxidants found in beer help protect the eyes by preventing mitochondrial damage. A study by the University of Western Ontario claims that a beer a day can minimize the risk of people developing a cataract.
- Beer minimizes the risk of diabetes: A study conducted by Harvard found that people who increased the consumption of alcohol reduced the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
- Beer reduces the risk of developing kidney stones: Beer contains potassium and magnesium which help prevent the development of kidney stones. Also, beer is 90 percent water, and water is the most powerful tool for the prevention of kidney stones. In fact, a study actually found that drinking a bottle of beer every day can reduce the risk of kidney stones by 40 percent.
- Beer helps in the development of denser and healthier bones: Beer is rich in dietary silicon which contributes to a higher bone density. It also minimizes the risk of osteoporosis.
- Beer increases Vitamin B levels: Beer contains several B vitamins. The Lancet, a medical journal, suggests that beer contains Vitamin B6 which prevents the risk of heart disease by keeping in check the formation of homocysteine in our body.
- Beer helps cure insomnia: Beer contains Lactoflavin and nicotinic acid which can help promote sleep.
- Beer has positive effects on the skin and hair: The vitamins present in beer are a good preventive and corrective source for acne and also add a glow to the skin. Additionally, Hops and malt in beer promote healthy growth of hair.
- Beer delays aging and promote longevity: Beer increases the levels and impact of Vitamin E, acting as an antioxidant which helps keep the skin healthy while also slowing down the aging process.
- Beer flushes out toxins from the body: Beer has diuretic properties which increase urination thus facilitating increased removal of toxins from the body
