Last weekend we were at my Uzi’s birthday party, he is now 4. That’s him (on the right) with a buddy and his dad.
Anyway, we started chatting with Müco, the technical backbone of the blog, and the topic came around to his having a beer or two every night. He seemed a bit worried, as he’s becoming a dad in April. I told him not to worry and keep enjoying his beer, as there were health benefits in drinking it.
I promised to write about it in the next post, so here goes. Just keep in mind that we’re talking about moderate drinking; one drink per day for women, and two for men.
That’s Müco.
So let’s look at these health benefits
- It can help reduce the risk of heart disease
One study conducted in Italy, involving 200,000 subjects concluded that a pint of beer daily reduced the risk of heart disease by 31 %. This heart-protecting power stems largely from beer’s natural antioxidants called phenols.
- It can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease
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 aluminum in the body.
- It can help lower the risk of diabetes
According to a 2011 Harvard study of about 38,000 middle aged men, those who drank one or 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.
- 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 %. The high water content of beer and compounds in hops used in brewing are thought to be why.
- It can help minimize the risk of cancer
Beer contains an important antioxidant known as xanthohumol which 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 chance of getting breast cancer in women.
- It can help reduce cholesterol levels
The barley used in brewing beer contains a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucans that has been shown to help in lowering cholesterol levels.
- It can help manage blood pressure
According to a Harvard study, it was 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 and other alcoholic beverages.
- It can help strengthen bones
Beer contains decent levels of silicone, an element that is linked with bone health. A study conducted at Tufts in 2009 established that older individuals who drank one to two glasses of beer daily had higher bone density, and thus less prone to fractures than those who did not. However, the study also found that consuming more than two drinks increased the risk of bone fractures.
- It can help treat dandruff
Beer 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. 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.
- It can help cut down the risk of strokes
Studies by the American Stroke Association have shown that people who drink moderate amounts of beer can cut the risk of strokes by 50 % compared to non-drinkers. Researchers at The 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 the leading cause of ischemic strokes. When you drink beer moderately, your arteries become flexible and blood flow improves significantly.
Always keep in mind that the key word is MODERATE; overindulgence in beer or any other alcoholic beverages can be disastrous to your health.
Cheers; see you all the next time.
Is it true that the appetite will often subconsciously crave food high in nutrients that your body is lacking?
Is that why you like a “cold beer”?
You’re right Brett,
People have been known to even eat dirt when the lack some minerals. Uzi, for example, licks the Himalayan salt lamp all the time. He sweats a lot and needs the salt.