What Good Can You Get Out of Beer?
Beer is probably the oldest alcoholic beverage in the world – and the most popular. Unfortunately, its abuse has led to its association with drunken frat parties that end up with people in the ER or fatal DUI accidents.
Despite all the bad press about it, beer does have a few health benefits to offer, as shared in a feature on WebMD.
A typical recipe for beer would include water, grain, hops and yeast. Depending on the style of beer and its corresponding recipe, the alcohol content in beer ranges from less than 3% to 40% by volume.
Just as it has been proven for wine, beer can provide health benefits – as long as it is consumed in moderation. Eric Rimm, ScD, a Harvard researcher, was quoted in the feature: “The strongest evidence suggests alcohol of any kind can increase good cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart attack by 30%, and thereby provide cardiovascular benefits.”
He added further that beer may also be able to help in reducing the risk of diabetes, due to the existence of evidence that pointed to the fact that alcohol can increase insulin sensitivity. In addition, beer may also help lower the risk of bladder cancer and kidney stones, due to the added volume, brought about by the fact that beer contains plenty of fluids.
Beer can also contribute carbohydrates, and a small amount of B vitamins and potassium. Experts do not recommend, however, that you turn beer into a source of nutrients; nor should one start drinking beer specifically because of the health benefits it may provide. What this information is simply conveying is that beer ain’t all that bad – as long as you don’t drink it excessively.
Tags: beer, beer benefits, beer good for health, beer health benefits, beer risks
