Bring the keg, it's official! Beer is actually GOOD for your health, says new study
We can all unanimously agree that beer is one of the world's favorite alcoholic beverages. And now, it has been revealed that this beloved alcoholic beverage comes with its own set of health benefits too, something that will surely make a lot of pub-goers very happy.
According to the Daily Mail, a pint of beer contains certain nutritional ingredients which in turn helps to reduce heart risk and boost brain health, in addition to quenching your thirst at the bar. And this has been confirmed by scientists who published their research in The American Journal of the Medical Sciences.
Scientists have claimed in their research that beer contains a higher level of protein and B vitamins than wine, and the beverage is high in antioxidants, which helps to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in the body.
"The antioxidant content of beer is equivalent to that of wine, but the specific antioxidants are different because the barley and hops used in the production of beer contain flavonoids different from those in the grapes used in the production of wine," claims the study. "Physicians should be aware of the growing evidence supporting the nutritional and health benefits of moderate consumption of alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle."
As per nutritionist Sisi Yip, who recently spoke to the South China Morning Post, "Beer contains trace amounts of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, fluoride, and silicon. Beer also includes a range of polyphenols such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that contribute directly to flavor, haze, body, and fullness."
She also spoke about how these polyphenols are in fact, naturally-occurring compounds which are usually found in plants, as well as the flavonoids and phenolic acid, which benefit the human body and help fight disease. Once ingested, these compounds help a person reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, along with protecting cognitive function. As per research, beer can also be a pathway to greater levels of high-density lipoprotein, like good cholesterol. This in turn aids in thinning the blood and removing plaque in the arteries.
However, the only snag in this fairytale is that these properties of the beverage only shine through when the beer is consumed in moderation, and definitely not in vast quantities.
According to the UK's Chief Medical Officer, beer intake for any individual should not exceed fourteen units per week on a regular basis. Which basically equates to about six 175ml glasses of wine, six pints of larger, five pints of cider or fourteen 25ml glasses of spirits. If an individual exceeds these limits, it could end up in liver damage, heart disease and weight gain.
"Spread your drinking over three or more days if you regularly drink as much as 14 units a week. Ideally, the health limit is up to one pint for men and half a pint for women per day," Yip adds.