Benefits of Beer

Beer, wonderful beer, the ancient beverage loved by millions across the globe and through the ages. Humans have been swilling beer for over 7000 years. At times it was safer to drink beer than it was to drink the water.

Heck, that can still be true in some parts of the world.

 

Throughout history, beer has been the preferred drink of the common man and royalty alike. According to Shakespeare, "a quart of ale is a dish for a king."

Cultures have come and gone, but beer is forever. Over the centuries, beer has evolved and been refined to bring us the exquisite potions available today. There are more options and recipes than we can even catalog.

Every day brings something new.

Jack Nicholson says, "Beer, it's the best damn drink in the world."

But, did you know that beer can be beneficial to your health in many ways?

  

What are those health benefits, you ask?

Let's take a quick look at a few of them so we can get back to our beer.

Here is some excellent news about beer that you probably are not aware of; beer can prevent cavities. Yes, you read that correctly; beer can be beneficial to your dental health. 

We're not saying you should use it as a mouthwash or to brush her teeth. Researchers have found that beer stops harmful bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay from growing and forming a biofilm on your teeth. While beer may not leave you with that minty fresh sensation, it is far more satisfying to consume than toothpaste. 

Beer also contains silicon, a mineral that is essential in forming bone and improving bone health., 

Your brain also benefits from silicon as it protects the brain from some cognitive diseases. In fact, studies have shown that moderate beer drinking can decrease the likelihood of Alzheimer's and dementia by up to 23%.

Beer can also raise good cholesterol, which improves blood flow to the brain.

Heart Health can be positively impacted by beer. The American Heart Association says that moderate consumption inhibits the loss of good cholesterol (HDL), lowering the risk of heart disease. Surprisingly, even after a heart attack, moderate beer consumption decreases by 42% the risk of death from heart disease.

Inflammation is another scourge in which beer can aid by interfering with many inflammatory compounds. Inflammation has a severe impact on both health and quality of life, and the hops in your beer are a recognized anti-inflammatory. Plus, beer does taste a hell of a lot better than medicine. 

The likelihood of developing diabetes is also reduced with the moderate consumption of beer. Men are 21% less likely to become diabetic who regularly drank 1 to 6 beers per week. The European study also found that people who drink three or four times a week reduced their risk for the disease overall compared to nondrinkers.

 

That's some pretty powerful stuff, what's the downside?

While beer does promise some important and amazing health benefits, all nutritional advantages are lost if we don't drink in moderation. Some of the downsides of overconsumption are obvious; alcohol dependence, depression, liver disease, cancer, and more.

Moderation is the key to getting the most enjoyment and nutrition from your beer. Experts say that moderation amounts to one 12-ounce beer per day for women in no more than 2 for men. No matter how good your beer makes you feel, too much of this good thing has the opposite effect.

 

Don’t forget the social side of beer. 

It's 2020, and we all have had our own experiences with lockdowns. The isolation and lack of contact with others can have some serious emotional impact. This points out one of the healthiest contributions of beer.

 

Connection, community, the critical interactions that knit together the fabric of our society are often accompanied by beer. Be it at a picnic, a ballgame, or a gathering of friends, beer is often at the center.

Throughout the ages, beer has played an essential role as a social lubricant. Its history is full of anecdotes, and sagas about the escapades and accomplishments born from beer-fueled conversations. 

The colonists in America were no exception when it comes to the legacy of beer. As Thomas Jefferson once said," beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health." 

Today's American patriot (that would be you) has the good fortune to live in a time of outstanding beer options. Craft breweries dot the landscape from coast to coast, offering innovative and unique recipes made with some of the highest quality ingredients ever to end up in a pint. 

 

 

Conclusion

Beer, by nature of its ingredients, has potentially significant nutritional benefits for issues such as:

 

• Dental Health

• Bone Health

• Brain Health 

• Heart Health

• Fights Inflammation

• Cognitive Health

 

All of these benefits and more are there to be had when consuming beer in moderation. Remember, moderation is the key. Also, all of these nutritional benefits from beer should be considered supplemental. Only a fraction of your daily requirements can be obtained by consuming beer.

There are many more efficient foods to get all the vital nutrition that you need. And, you probably still want to buy toothpaste.

 

So, pour yourself a tall one and pat yourself on the back for living such a healthy life. But, don't forget to pace yourself and make sure to eat your vegetables.