What are the potential health benefits of beer. How much beer is considered moderate consumption. What are the risks of excessive beer drinking. What nutrients does beer contain.

The Nutritional Profile of Beer: A Closer Look

Beer, one of the world’s oldest beverages, has been a part of human culture for millennia. Its rich history spans from ancient Egyptian tombs to modern-day breweries. But what exactly does a typical can of beer contain? Let’s examine the nutritional facts:

• Calories: 153
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram

Beyond these basic macronutrients, beer is also a source of several essential minerals and vitamins:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Niacin
• Folate

Interestingly, the color of beer can indicate its antioxidant content. Darker beers generally contain more antioxidants, which are compounds that fight free radicals in the body and may help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and certain cancers.

Potential Health Benefits of Moderate Beer Consumption

While it’s crucial to approach alcohol consumption with caution, research suggests that moderate beer drinking may offer some health benefits. But what constitutes moderate drinking? For most adults, it’s defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Cardiovascular Health

Several studies have indicated that moderate beer consumption might contribute to heart health. How does beer potentially benefit the heart? It may help lower the risk of heart disease, with some research suggesting that beer could be as effective as wine in improving general heart health when consumed in comparable amounts.

One study found that consuming one alcoholic drink per day lowered the risk of all-cause mortality for women, while up to two beers a day showed similar results for men. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to establish a definitive causal relationship.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Can beer consumption affect blood sugar levels? Some studies suggest that light alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and assist people with diabetes in controlling their blood sugar more effectively. One particular study indicated that consuming one to two alcoholic drinks per day could lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 50%.

It’s worth noting that this effect appears to be strongest for low-sugar beers, such as light beers. Therefore, the type of beer consumed may play a role in these potential benefits.

Bone Health

Early research has shown promising results regarding beer’s potential impact on bone strength. How might beer affect bone health? Moderate beer consumption may help strengthen bones in men and postmenopausal women. This benefit could be attributed to the alcohol content, as moderate alcohol consumption, in general, has been linked to improved bone health.

However, it’s crucial to emphasize that this benefit sharply declines when consumption exceeds two drinks per day, underscoring the importance of moderation.

The Darker Side: Potential Risks of Beer Consumption

While moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits, excessive drinking can lead to numerous health problems. What are the risks associated with heavy beer consumption?

Addiction Potential

Like all alcoholic beverages, beer carries the potential for dependency. Alcohol is an addictive substance, and individuals with a family history of addiction should be particularly cautious. Moreover, heavy drinking negates most of the potential health benefits associated with moderate beer consumption, making addiction a significant concern.

Impact on Life Expectancy

How does excessive beer consumption affect life expectancy? Studies have shown that heavy drinking can significantly increase the risk of death from all causes. Some research suggests that heavy alcohol consumption could reduce life expectancy by up to 28 years, highlighting the severe consequences of excessive drinking.

Liver Disease Risk

The liver plays a crucial role in processing alcohol, but excessive consumption can take a toll on this vital organ. Drinking more than two beers a day can increase the chances of developing fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. These conditions can severely impact liver function and overall health.

Weight Gain and “Beer Belly”

Many beers are high in calories, which can contribute to weight gain when consumed in large quantities. The term “beer belly” is commonly used to describe excess weight around the waist, often associated with frequent beer consumption. Studies have confirmed that drinking beer can indeed increase waist circumference.

Moderation: The Key to Potential Beer Benefits

When it comes to beer consumption, moderation is crucial. But what exactly is considered moderate drinking? According to health guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption is typically defined as:

• For women: Up to one drink per day
• For men: Up to two drinks per day

It’s important to note that these guidelines refer to standard drink sizes. For beer, a standard drink is usually considered to be 12 fluid ounces (355 ml) of regular beer with about 5% alcohol content.

Adhering to these guidelines may allow individuals to potentially enjoy some of the health benefits associated with moderate beer consumption while minimizing the risks of excessive drinking.

Beer and Antioxidants: The Color Connection

One intriguing aspect of beer’s potential health benefits lies in its antioxidant content. But do all beers contain the same amount of antioxidants? The answer lies in the color of the beer.

Darker beers, such as stouts and porters, generally contain higher levels of antioxidants compared to lighter beers like lagers and pilsners. This is due to the malting process and the types of grains used in brewing darker beers.

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. They have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and some forms of cancer. However, it’s important to remember that while beer does contain antioxidants, it should not be considered a primary source of these compounds in a balanced diet.

The Brewing Process: From Grain to Glass

Understanding the brewing process can provide insight into beer’s composition and potential health effects. How is beer made? The basic steps include:

1. Malting: Grains (usually barley) are soaked in water to germinate, then dried to stop the process.
2. Mashing: The malted grains are mixed with hot water to extract sugars.
3. Boiling: The liquid (now called wort) is boiled with hops for flavor and preservation.
4. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the cooled wort, converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
5. Conditioning: The beer is aged to develop its final flavor profile.

Each step in this process contributes to the final product’s nutritional content and potential health impacts. For example, the type of grain used and the extent of the malting process can affect the beer’s antioxidant content. The addition of hops contributes to the beer’s bitterness and may provide some of its potential health benefits, as hops contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties.

Beer and Hydration: Debunking the Myths

A common misconception about beer is that it’s always dehydrating. Is this true? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

While it’s true that alcohol has a diuretic effect, meaning it increases urine production, the overall hydration effect of beer depends on its alcohol content and the amount consumed. Low-alcohol beers (around 4% ABV or less) can actually have a hydrating effect when consumed in moderation, as their water content outweighs the diuretic effect of the alcohol.

However, beers with higher alcohol content or consuming large quantities of any beer can lead to dehydration. This is why it’s important to drink water alongside beer, especially in hot weather or during physical activity.

It’s also worth noting that beer’s potential hydrating effects do not make it a suitable replacement for water or sports drinks during intense physical activity or in situations where proper hydration is crucial.

Beer and Social Aspects: Beyond Nutrition

While much of the discussion around beer focuses on its physical health impacts, it’s important to consider its social and psychological aspects as well. How does beer consumption affect social interactions and mental well-being?

Beer has long been a social lubricant, playing a role in various cultural and social gatherings. When consumed in moderation, it can contribute to relaxation and social bonding. Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may have some mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mood.

However, it’s crucial to remember that these potential benefits only apply to moderate consumption. Excessive drinking can lead to numerous negative social and psychological consequences, including increased risk of depression, anxiety, and social problems.

Furthermore, individuals should never rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress or mental health issues. If you’re struggling with mental health concerns, it’s important to seek professional help rather than turning to alcohol.

• Potential social benefits of moderate beer consumption:
  • Enhanced social interactions
  • Stress reduction
  • Cultural participation
• Risks of excessive consumption:
  • Impaired judgment
  • Increased risk of accidents
  • Potential for addiction
  • Negative impact on relationships

In conclusion, while beer can play a positive role in social situations when consumed responsibly, it’s important to be aware of both its potential benefits and risks. Moderation and self-awareness are key to enjoying beer in a way that enhances rather than detracts from social experiences.

Are There Health Benefits? Pros and Cons, Nutrition Information, and More

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

Reviewed by Christine Mikstas, RD, LD on November 17, 2022

In this Article

• Nutrition Information
• Potential Health Benefits of Beer
• Potential Risks of Beer

from the WebMD Ingredients Guide

Serving Size 12 Fluid ounce (354 g)

Calories 103

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 0 g

0%

Saturated Fat 0 g

0%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol 0 mg

0%

Sodium 14 mg

1%

Potassium 0 mg

0%

Total Carbohydrate 6 g

2%

Dietary Fiber 0 g

0%

Sugar 0 g

Protein 1 g

2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

• Vitamin C 0%
• Iron 0%
• Vitamin B6 0%
• Magnesium 0%
• Calcium 1%
• Vitamin D 0%
• Cobalamin 0%
• Vitamin A 0%

Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world. Beer recipes can be found in Egyptian tombs, Mesopotamian archeological sites, and Babylonian texts. Today, beer is found in grocery stores and breweries around the world. People are even rediscovering the joy of making beer at home. 

Beer is easy enough to make, after all. It’s the product of fermenting grain into alcohol. It may have even been one of the first inventions after the Agricultural Revolution. 

Beer has been important in human culture for thousands of years. It’s no wonder some people proclaim that it has health benefits. While science can support some of these claims, beer also has drawbacks.

One can of beer (about 12 ounces) contains:

• Calories: 153
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 13 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram

Beer is an excellent source of:

• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Niacin
• Folate

Depending on the color, some beers are also good sources of antioxidants. The darker the beer, the more  antioxidants it tends to have. Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and certain forms of cancer.

As mentioned, beer is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and some also contain antioxidants. Research supports a number of potential health benefits to drinking moderate amounts of beer:

Lower Risk of Heart Disease 

Several reviews have suggested that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower your risk of heart disease. In fact, beer may be as effective at improving general heart health as wine at comparable alcohol levels.

One study showed that one drink a day lowered the risk of all-cause mortality for women and up to two beers a day produced the same results for men. While one study  is not enough to identify the cause for this, research is promising.

Improved Blood Sugar Levels

Drinking light amounts of alcohol may help reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively. One study showed that one to two alcoholic drinks a day could lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 50%.

This effect is strongest for low-sugar beers, such as light beers, so pay attention to the type of beer you drink.

Increased Bone Strength

Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones for men and postmenopausal women. This may be because alcohol in general, in moderate amounts, can help your bones. But this benefit sharply drops when consumption passes two drinks a day, so moderation is key.

The same aspects that make beer so potent can also cause health problems for people. Once beer consumption is heavy, over two drinks per day, it carries many potential risks.

Consider the following before adding significant amounts of beer to your diet:

Potential for Addiction

All alcohol carries the potential for dependency. Alcohol is an addictive substance, so people with a family history of addiction should be cautious with drinking beer or any other alcohol. Furthermore, heavy drinking eliminates most health benefits of beer, making addiction a double-edged sword. 

Reduced Life Expectancy

Heavy consumption significantly increases your risk of death from all causes. Studies show that heavy drinking reduces life expectancy by up to 28 years. 

Increased Risk of Liver Disease

Drinking more than two beers a day can increase chances of developing fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.

Weight Gain

Many beers are high in calories, so drinking large amounts frequently can lead to substantial weight gain. “Beer belly” is a common term to describe someone who has extra weight around their waist. Studies have confirmed that drinking beer increases waist circumference.

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Is beer healthy? How much should people drink? What to know

Beer may have certain health benefits, such as decreasing the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. However, excessive consumption can lead to conditions such as cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Manufacturers make beer by fermenting starches, usually malted barley, with yeast. The brewing process of modern beer involves using hops and other flavoring agents and typically contains about 3.5–10% alcohol.

While beer may have some health benefits, it can also negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health. Additionally, while this beverage contains some nutritional value, it is not suitable as an alternative to a nutritious, balanced diet.

Read this article to learn more about beer’s nutritional information, the benefits and side effects of drinking beer, and the recommended amount a person should drink.

Although people view beer as a drink with little nutritional value, it does contain various nutrients.

The minerals within beer typically include:

• calcium
• copper
• iron
• magnesium
• manganese
• silicon
• selenium
• fluoride
• phosphorus
• potassium
• sodium
• zinc

The vitamins within beer usually include:

• vitamin B1, or thiamin
• vitamin B2, or riboflavin
• vitamin B3, or niacin
• vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid
• vitamin B6
• folate
• choline
• vitamin B12, or cobalamine
• vitamin A
• vitamin E
• vitamin D
• vitamin K

Beer also contains the following amino acids:

• alanine
• aspartic acid
• glutamic acid
• glycine
• proline

Despite its reputation, light to moderate beer consumption may have positive health effects. It may even reduce the risk of some diseases.

Heart disease

Some research suggests that drinking beer may help decrease the risk of heart disease.

A recent review article from 2020 concludes that people who consume beer in moderate amounts have higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol — or “good” cholesterol, better vascular elasticity, and higher apolipoprotein A1 levels.

Another 2016 review article found that low to moderate beer consumption, which it defined as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men, decreased the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The researchers for both studies defined low to moderate amounts as up to one can of 330 milliliters of beer containing around 5% alcohol daily for women and up to two cans for men.

Neurodegenerative disease

The same review article found that low to moderate beer consumption decreased the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Another review from 2019 claims that moderate beer consumption may help decrease the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Blood sugar control

Some studies show how low to moderate alcohol consumption may help control blood sugar levels, an issue for many adults.

For example, a 2018 study concludes that low to moderate alcohol consumption has associations with better blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Another study from 2019 concludes that moderate alcohol consumption may decrease the risk of developing dementia.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes the bones to become brittle and more susceptible to breaks. The risk for this disease increases as a person ages.

Some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help decrease the risk of osteoporosis.

For example, a 2019 study found that postmenopausal women from South Korea who drank 2–3 times per week had higher bone density than South Korean postmenopausal women who did not drink.

However, it is important to note that to achieve any of the potential positive side effects of drinking beer or alcohol, people must do so responsibly. This means drinking low to moderate amounts and not engaging in excessive drinking.

Although drinking beer may have some positive health outcomes, this only appears relevant when people drink the beverage in light or moderate amounts.

Heavy or excessive drinking may lead to negative health consequences, including:

• cancer
• liver failure
• cardiovascular disease
• diabetes
• pancreatic disease
• infectious diseases
• neuropsychiatric diseases
• weight gain
• depression

People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol may also be more likely to engage in risky behavior, potentially leading to major bodily injury or death.

The 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americanssuggest consuming a moderate amount of alcohol. The authors define this as 1 drink for women and 1 drink for men. In beer, one drink consists of 12 ounces of this beverage.

Drinking more than recommended guidelines may result in negative health outcomes.

Recommendations on drinking beer appear to be inconclusive. However, it seems people can safely consume beer as long as they do not do so excessively. Individuals should try not to drink more than the recommended amount.

Even though beer contains a variety of nutrients, people should not turn to beer for its nutritional value. Eating a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins should be more of a priority.

Beer is a fermented beverage that people have been consuming for years.

Light to moderate amounts of beer may help decrease the risk of diseases such as heart disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and type 2 diabetes.

While there appears to be some benefit to drinking beer, it is not a beverage that individuals should consume excessively. Heavy or excessive drinking may lead to numerous negative health effects.

Beer contains many nutrients, but people should not consume it as a way to increase nutrient intake. Instead, they should focus on following a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Beer: benefits and harms for the body, how much beer can be drunk without harm to health – 11 July 2022

Oksana Laryushkina

Vladislav Ledovsky, head of the project group of the medical faculty of the Synergy University, reports.

The doctor told what will happen to the body if you drink every weekend

Harm of beer for the human body but it is not. Modern medicine has come to the conclusion that any dose of alcohol is harmful to the human body. The difference is that some doses of alcohol are high-risk, while others are low-risk: in medicine they are measured in drinks.

One drink is a standard unit of alcohol that is equal to approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol or one bottle of beer. According to this logic, a woman can drink one bottle of beer every day, and a man two bottles. But this carries the risk of developing cardiovascular, oncological and other diseases, and also leads to a decrease in life expectancy. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of death, including as a result of the social consequences of intoxication: road accidents, fights, trauma.

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Many consider beer to be a harmless drink, but at the same time it negatively affects the physical and mental health of a person. Frequent drinking of beer can affect the emotional background of a person: he feels anxiety and aggression, becomes easily excitable, quick-tempered, then such a mood sharply becomes apathetic. Among the physiological disorders that provokes the constant use of beer:

• disruption of the heart, liver, kidneys, blood vessels;
• dehydration;
• disturbances in the functioning of the brain, impairment of memory and coordination of movements, decrease in intellectual abilities;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: heartburn, flatulence, gastritis, gastric ulcer;
• The most common danger of frequent drinking is beer alcoholism and weight gain.

Benefits of beer

You can find references to the benefits of beer and other alcoholic beverages on the Internet. This benefit, if it really exists, pales before the harm that drinking beer can bring. Doctors agree that if a person cannot completely stop drinking alcohol, he should limit himself to one drink for women and two drinks for men per day.

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Among the beneficial properties of beer, some doctors mention:

• the drink removes aluminum compounds from the body;
• lowers blood pressure;
• people who drink in moderation are about 41% less likely to suffer from kidney stones;
• Beer is considered a diuretic drink, but at the same time, a large amount of microelements leaves the body with it, which creates their deficiency.

Norm of beer consumption

According to doctors, the acceptable norm for men is no more than 0.5 liters per day and no more than 3-5 times a week. For women: no more than 0.3 liters per day and no more than 2-3 times a week. This applies to beer, with a strength of no more than 3-5%.

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Who is contraindicated for beer

Beer, like any alcohol, is completely contraindicated for:

• pregnant women;
• young people under 21;
• those undergoing treatment for drug and alcohol addiction;
• those who take medications. Many drugs interact with alcohol: it can increase or decrease the effect of the effect. When visiting a doctor, you should clarify how the drugs that they are prescribed interact with alcohol.

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Russian doctor told how beer is good for health

The drink has a positive effect on bowel function, but we are talking about non-alcoholic beer.

Is non-alcoholic beer good for health? Sergey Vyalov, a Russian gastroenterologist, says yes. According to the doctor, the yeast contained in the drink contributes to the active production of gastric juice and beneficial acids. This improves the functioning of the digestive tract. In addition, the metabolism in the intestine itself improves.

Read also: Beer price rises: Radeberger raises prices again.

The gastroenterologist also noticed that wine without degrees is not useful in any way. However, it is suitable for people who want to say goodbye to the obsessive habit of constantly drinking alcohol.

What else is beer good for health?

In addition to Vyalov’s advice, you can find many references on the Internet about the benefits of not only non-alcoholic, but also alcoholic beer. So, for example, it is believed that beer hops prolong life. Scientists have proven that people who drink beer in moderation reduce the risk of premature death by almost 20%. According to experts, those people who drink a couple of beers a day stay young longer.

In addition, this alcoholic drink prevents Alzheimer’s disease (a disease in which the human brain ceases to perform basic functions, and therefore there are problems with memory and behavior). This is due to the fact that beer contains xanthohumol (a product found in female hop inflorescences).

Xanthohumol protects the brain from age-related changes and prevents the occurrence of diseases associated with memory impairment. Among other things, xanthohumol helps the body fight cancer.

Contrary to the common stereotype that beer is bad for the figure, it helps to lose weight. Sounds incredible, but King’s College London professor Tim Spector says it’s possible. So, in his opinion, light beer is a storehouse of useful substances and trace elements that normalize bowel function. It contains a large number of nutrients that make the digestive system work more efficiently.

Among other things, scientists from University College London (UCL) conducted a study.