What are the potential health benefits of beer consumption. How does beer affect heart health and bone strength. What are the risks associated with excessive beer drinking. What is the nutritional content of beer.

Nutritional Profile of Beer: More Than Just Alcohol

Beer, one of the world’s oldest beverages, has been a staple in human culture for thousands of years. Its rich history dates back to ancient civilizations, with recipes found in Egyptian tombs and Mesopotamian archaeological sites. But what exactly does a typical serving of beer contain in terms of nutrition?

A standard 12-ounce (354 ml) serving of beer typically contains:

• Calories: 103-153
• Protein: 1-2 grams
• Fat: Less than 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 6-13 grams
• Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram

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

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

Do darker beers offer additional nutritional benefits? Indeed, the color of beer can be an indicator of its antioxidant content. Darker beers generally contain higher levels of antioxidants, which play a crucial role in fighting free radicals in the body and potentially reducing the risk of chronic conditions and certain forms of cancer.

Cardiovascular Health: Can Beer Be Heart-Friendly?

The relationship between beer consumption and heart health has been a subject of numerous studies. Research suggests that moderate beer drinking might have some cardiovascular benefits.

How does beer potentially benefit heart health? Several reviews indicate that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower the risk of heart disease. Interestingly, beer’s cardiovascular benefits appear to be comparable to those of wine when consumed at similar alcohol levels.

A notable study revealed that one alcoholic drink per day lowered the risk of all-cause mortality for women, while up to two beers daily produced similar results for men. However, it’s crucial to note that while this research is promising, a single study isn’t sufficient to establish a definitive causal relationship.

Moderation: The Key to Potential Benefits

The potential health benefits of beer are closely tied to moderate consumption. But what constitutes “moderate” drinking? According to most health guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption is generally defined as:

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

It’s important to remember that these guidelines refer to average consumption over time and not a justification for binge drinking.

Blood Sugar Control: Beer’s Surprising Effect on Diabetes Risk

Can beer consumption influence blood sugar levels and diabetes risk? Some studies suggest that light to moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, may have a positive effect on blood sugar control.

How might beer affect diabetes risk? Research indicates that consuming one to two alcoholic drinks per day could potentially lower the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 50%. This effect appears to be most pronounced with low-sugar beers, such as light varieties.

For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, moderate beer consumption might help in controlling blood sugar more effectively. However, it’s crucial to note that these potential benefits are associated with light to moderate drinking only. Excessive alcohol consumption can have severe negative impacts on blood sugar control and overall health.

Bone Health: Could Beer Contribute to Stronger Bones?

The potential link between beer consumption and bone health has been an intriguing area of research. Early studies suggest that moderate beer intake might have positive effects on bone strength, particularly for men and postmenopausal women.

How might beer influence bone health? The alcohol content in beer, when consumed in moderation, may contribute to increased bone density. However, it’s crucial to understand that this potential benefit is sharply curtailed when consumption exceeds two drinks per day.

What components in beer might contribute to bone health? Beer contains silicon, a mineral that’s been associated with increased bone mineral density. The hops used in brewing also contain phytoestrogens, which may help protect against bone loss.

The Importance of Moderation for Bone Health

While moderate beer consumption might offer some benefits for bone health, it’s essential to emphasize that excessive drinking can have the opposite effect. Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures.

Potential Risks of Beer Consumption: The Dark Side of the Brew

While moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with excessive drinking. The same components that make beer potentially beneficial in moderation can lead to severe health problems when consumed in large quantities.

Addiction and Dependency

How does beer consumption relate to addiction risk? Like all alcoholic beverages, beer carries the potential for dependency. Individuals with a family history of addiction should be particularly cautious when it comes to alcohol consumption, including beer.

The addictive nature of alcohol means that what starts as moderate consumption can potentially escalate into heavy drinking, negating any potential health benefits and introducing numerous health risks.

Impact on Life Expectancy

Can excessive beer consumption affect life expectancy? Studies have shown that heavy drinking can significantly reduce life expectancy. Some research suggests that heavy alcohol consumption could decrease life expectancy by up to 28 years.

Liver Disease Risk

How does beer affect liver health? Drinking more than two beers a day can increase the chances of developing fatty liver disease or cirrhosis. The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol, and excessive consumption can lead to inflammation, fat accumulation, and eventually, severe liver damage.

Weight Gain and “Beer Belly”

Is the concept of a “beer belly” based on fact? Many beers are high in calories, and regular consumption of large amounts can indeed lead to substantial weight gain. Studies have confirmed that drinking beer increases waist circumference, lending some truth to the common term “beer belly.”

Antioxidants in Beer: A Closer Look at Potential Benefits

The antioxidant content of beer, particularly in darker varieties, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits. But what exactly are these antioxidants, and how might they benefit our health?

Types of Antioxidants in Beer

What antioxidants are found in beer? Beer contains several types of antioxidants, including:

• Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have been associated with various health benefits, including potential cancer-fighting properties.
• Melanoidins: Found particularly in darker beers, these compounds are formed during the brewing process and contribute to both color and antioxidant activity.

Potential Health Effects of Beer Antioxidants

How might the antioxidants in beer benefit health? Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. This action may help reduce the risk of various chronic conditions, including certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

However, it’s important to note that while beer does contain antioxidants, it should not be considered a primary source of these compounds in the diet. Fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods generally provide a more concentrated and healthier source of antioxidants without the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Beer and Mental Health: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between beer consumption and mental health is multifaceted and can vary significantly depending on the amount consumed and individual factors.

Potential Short-Term Effects

How does beer affect mood in the short term? In moderation, beer consumption may lead to feelings of relaxation and sociability. The alcohol in beer can act as a central nervous system depressant, potentially reducing stress and anxiety temporarily.

However, it’s crucial to note that these effects are short-lived, and excessive consumption can lead to negative mood changes, impaired judgment, and potentially dangerous behavior.

Long-Term Mental Health Considerations

What are the potential long-term effects of beer consumption on mental health? Regular heavy drinking can have significant negative impacts on mental health, including:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety disorders
• Potential exacerbation of existing mental health conditions
• Cognitive impairment and memory issues
• Increased risk of alcohol use disorder

It’s important to remember that while moderate drinking might seem to provide temporary relief from stress or anxiety, alcohol is not a healthy long-term coping mechanism for mental health issues.

Beer and Athletic Performance: Friend or Foe?

The relationship between beer consumption and athletic performance is a topic of interest for many sports enthusiasts and athletes. While beer is often associated with post-game celebrations, its effects on athletic performance are complex and largely dose-dependent.

Potential Negative Effects on Performance

How might beer consumption impact athletic performance? Excessive beer intake can negatively affect athletic performance in several ways:

• Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to increased fluid loss and potential dehydration.
• Impaired recovery: Alcohol can interfere with muscle recovery and glycogen replenishment after exercise.
• Reduced sleep quality: While alcohol might help you fall asleep faster, it often leads to poorer quality sleep, which is crucial for athletic recovery.
• Decreased reaction time and coordination: Even small amounts of alcohol can impair these crucial athletic skills.

Potential Benefits in Moderation

Are there any potential benefits of beer for athletes? Some studies suggest that very moderate beer consumption might have some benefits:

• Carbohydrate replenishment: The carbohydrates in beer could potentially aid in glycogen replenishment post-exercise, though sports drinks are generally more effective for this purpose.
• Stress reduction: The relaxation effects of moderate alcohol consumption might help some athletes unwind after competition, though this should not be relied upon as a primary stress-management technique.

It’s crucial to note that any potential benefits are associated with very light consumption and are outweighed by the risks of regular or heavy drinking for athletic performance.

Beer and Digestive Health: Impacts on the Gut

The effects of beer on digestive health are complex and can vary based on consumption patterns and individual factors. Understanding these impacts is crucial for making informed decisions about beer consumption.

Potential Positive Effects

Can beer consumption have any positive effects on digestive health? Some research suggests potential benefits:

• Prebiotic effects: The soluble fiber in beer, derived from barley, may have prebiotic properties that could support gut bacteria.
• Potential H. pylori inhibition: Some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption might help inhibit Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium associated with gastric ulcers.

Potential Negative Effects

What are the potential negative impacts of beer on digestive health? Excessive beer consumption can lead to several digestive issues:

• Increased acid production: Beer can stimulate the production of stomach acid, potentially exacerbating conditions like acid reflux or GERD.
• Inflammation: Alcohol can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, potentially leading to inflammation.
• Altered nutrient absorption: Excessive alcohol intake can interfere with the absorption of various nutrients in the digestive tract.
• Changes in gut microbiome: While moderate consumption might have some prebiotic effects, excessive drinking can negatively alter the balance of gut bacteria.

As with many aspects of beer consumption, moderation is key when considering its effects on digestive health. Individuals with existing digestive conditions should consult with a healthcare provider about the appropriateness of beer consumption.

Beer and Cancer Risk: Understanding the Connection

The relationship between beer consumption and cancer risk is an area of ongoing research and significant public health interest. While moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, has been associated with some potential health benefits, it’s crucial to understand the potential cancer risks associated with drinking.

Increased Risk for Certain Cancers

Which types of cancer have been associated with alcohol consumption? Research has linked alcohol consumption, including beer, to an increased risk of several types of cancer:

• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Head and neck cancers

The risk appears to increase with the amount of alcohol consumed, with no lower threshold established for safe consumption concerning cancer risk.

Potential Mechanisms

How might beer consumption contribute to cancer risk? Several mechanisms have been proposed:

• DNA damage: Acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, can damage DNA and proteins.
• Hormonal changes: Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen, which may increase breast cancer risk.
• Nutrient absorption: Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients that may have protective effects against cancer.
• Oxidative stress: While beer contains some antioxidants, excessive consumption can lead to increased oxidative stress, potentially damaging cells.

Balancing Risks and Benefits

How should individuals approach beer consumption in light of cancer risk? The relationship between alcohol and cancer risk is dose-dependent, meaning the risk increases with the amount consumed. For individuals concerned about cancer risk, limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption is the safest approach.

It’s important to note that while moderate beer consumption may have some potential health benefits in other areas, these benefits do not outweigh the increased cancer risk from a public health perspective. Individuals should discuss their personal risk factors and consumption habits with a healthcare provider to make informed decisions.

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.

does it increase the belly and chest in men, the relationship between alcohol and depression, is there a safe dose, the harm of non-alcoholic beer

How does beer affect health? Will my breasts and belly grow from it? Is there a safe rate?

Beer is an alcoholic beverage. And its main problem is ethanol, which in any case affects health. It seems that there is no completely safe dose of alcohol.

Timur Zarudny

beer expert

Author profile

According to a meta-study in The Lancet, even a small percentage of alcohol in the blood can increase the risk of health and premature death. It is known that the risk increases in those who drink 100 grams of alcohol per week – that’s eight glasses of 250 milliliters of light beer. But there is a risk for smaller doses as well.

How ethanol affects the body

Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is present in any alcoholic beverage. In grain beer, it is fermented as follows: yeast is planted in a solution of grain and water, where they eat the sugar contained in the grain, multiply, release carbon dioxide – as a result, ethanol appears. The more sugars the yeast eats, the stronger the beer will be.

After we drink beer, ethanol is absorbed into the blood within 5-10 minutes: 20% through the walls of the stomach, 80% through the small intestine. The peak of its concentration in the blood occurs in 30-90 minutes.

Then most of the alcohol is broken down in the liver into water and carbon dioxide. The remaining substances are excreted through the kidneys, sweat and lungs – that is why they suggest breathing into the breathalyzer.

The effects of alcohol on the body – Journal of the New Zealand Alcohol Advisory CouncilPDF, 438 KB

The liver can break down a certain amount of alcohol per hour, and this is usually a standard drink containing 14 grams of pure alcohol: 360 ml of 5% beer, 150 ml of table wine, or 44 ml of strong alcohol such as vodka or whiskey. 14 grams is not a safe, but a low level of alcohol risk to health.

What is a Standard Drink – National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research, NIAAA

When the concentration of alcohol in the blood becomes more than the liver can metabolize, drunkenness occurs. But this feeling is influenced by many factors besides the amount of alcohol.

The ability of the liver to metabolize alcohol. It depends on genetic differences, age, sex and ethnicity. For example, women will have a higher blood alcohol concentration than men who drink the same amount. This is because they have less fluid in their bodies to distribute alcohol. And some ethnic groups, such as the Inuit, have different levels of the liver alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme, ADH, which is responsible for breaking down alcohol.

How alcohol is metabolized in the body – Journal of Alcohol Research and Health

Are women really more susceptible to alcohol – Journal of Alcohol Alert

Body type. Heavy and muscular people with more fat and muscle on average can process more alcohol without feeling drunk.

The presence of food in the stomach. Food dilutes alcohol, slows down its absorption into the bloodstream and passage through the small intestine.

Beverage alcohol concentration and drinking rate. The stronger the contents of the glass, the faster the alcohol is absorbed. And the faster we drink, the faster we get drunk.

Frequency of alcohol consumption. A frequent drinker needs more alcohol over time to feel intoxicated. True, in the chronic stage of alcoholism, reverse tolerance sets in: a person gets drunk even from small doses. Reverse tolerance occurs when the liver stops producing the amount of ADH enzyme needed to break down alcohol.

Stages and symptoms of alcoholism – Nurseslearning

How alcohol affects health

Again: 14 grams of pure alcohol per day is not a safe, but the least risky level of alcohol for health. But not for everyone: children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases may not be able to cope. That is why the clinical guidelines take into account absolutely all people and conclude that there is no absolutely safe proportion of alcohol. And alcohol is often delicious, so it can be difficult to stop at one glass.

This is exactly how ethanol affects your health if you consume more of it than your liver can process:

1. Provokes a hangover. Symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, sweating, fatigue, trembling, sensitivity to light, and irritability.
2. Poisons the body, which in some cases can kill.
3. May worsen other non-alcohol related conditions: diabetes, any liver disease, sleep disorders.
4. Is addictive.
5. May cause severe diseases such as malignant tumors and liver disease.

/hangover/

How to quickly get rid of a hangover at home – is it really possible?

In one large study, Swedish scientists studied the relationship between alcohol and depression. The work was carried out in three stages: 10,441 people were studied from 1998 to 2000, 8,622 people from 2001 to 2003, and another 5,228 people were studied in 2010. Moreover, 5,000 people were observed at all three stages for 10 years. Here are the conclusions the scientists came to:

1. People who do not drink alcohol at all are more likely to be depressed than those who drink in small amounts.
2. Those who drink more than the recommended amount have a higher risk of depression.
3. The risk of alcohol-related depression is the same for men and women.

Moderate Drinking and Depression Study – Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

In general, we must keep in mind that alcohol is dangerous. If you haven’t started drinking, then it’s not worth it, but if you drink, sometimes a little bit is permissible. Otherwise, why is it all. And there is no need to demonize alcoholic beverages either.

What are the myths about beer

While beer, like any alcohol, is a potential health hazard, there are many strange myths about it. We will analyze everything in order to be afraid of only real threats.

✅⛔️ Your belly grows because of beer. Yes and no. There is no specific type of obesity called beer belly. Obesity is classified according to the predominant location of fatty tissues and the cause of occurrence.

/eda-uchebnik/

How to eat tasty and healthy

So, there is upper, lower and mixed obesity. Upper, it is also android, or abdominal, is when fat is collected in the upper part of the body: on the stomach, neck, face. Lower, or gynoid, peripheral, – in the lower: on the thighs and buttocks. Mixed is when adipose tissue is distributed relatively evenly throughout the body.

It is still not known exactly what exactly determines the type of distribution of body fat. It is now believed that it is mainly from a genetic predisposition and gender, and not from the type of food or drink.

The influence of genes and the environment on the distribution of body fat – International Journal of Molecular Science

According to the cause of obesity, obesity is divided:

1. Nutritional – from overeating.
2. Hypothalamic – due to a rare genetic disorder that affects the hypothalamus.
3. Endocrine – due to hormonal disorders.

But in all cases, weight gain is associated with a stable positive energy balance, when energy intake from food exceeds its expenditure for a long time. That is, the weight always grows if there is more than you burn. But the reasons why this happens may be different.

Energy Balance and Obesity – Journal of the American Heart Association

You can actually gain weight from drinking too much beer – that would be nutritional obesity. But folds do not necessarily appear on the stomach – they can be in those parts of the body in which you have a predisposition to deposition.

Alcohol stimulates the appetite for a short time. Therefore, in order not to be overweight, you need to take into account the calorie content of the accompanying snacks and the drink itself. For example, 355 milliliters of Old Rasputin, a strong Russian imperial stout, has 303 calories. Alcohol has no other superpowers to grow a special beer belly.

Study on the effect of alcohol on food and energy intake – British Journal of Nutrition Research

⛔️ Beer loosens muscles. No. I did not find the source of this strange myth. But on the other hand, I found the opposite sports explanation: beer in small quantities can be isotonic. Isotonic is a drink that helps maintain the balance of water and electrolytes in the body: calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

When we exercise, we lose a lot of water and electrolytes. The blood becomes thicker, which makes it harder for the heart to drive it around the body and deliver it to the working muscles. If you do not monitor the water balance, then endurance, strength and cognitive abilities may decrease, convulsions and heart rate jumps may appear.

True, not all beer helps maintain water balance and restore strength. Several small studies have compared a typical lager with 5% alcohol, non-alcoholic beer, isotonic and water. Isotonic did the best: after 5 hours, 42% of the liquid remained in the body. Slightly less effective are non-alcoholic beer and water: 36 and 34%, respectively. The worst isotonic was obtained from ordinary beer: it retained only 21% of water. From this we can conclude that non-alcoholic beer is a better isotonic than water.

Effect of beer on post-workout hydration – Frontiers in nutrition magazine

How regular, non-alcoholic beer and water affect athletes’ hydration – Nutrients magazine

Because of this restorative property, specialty beers have been brewed for marathon runners and athletes. For example, the Boston Brewery brewed a special variety with the addition of salt and coriander. And the Athletic Brewing brewery specializes entirely in non-alcoholic beer for athletes.

⛔️ Men grow breasts because of beer. Hardly. Hops contain polyphenols, which are similar in structure to the female sex hormones – estrogens. They do work in a similar way and are even used as replacement therapy for menopausal women. But there are so few of them that in order for polyphenols to act on a healthy man, you need to drink a liter of beer a day for two months. And it is not clear exactly how they will affect the body: no one has conducted such cruel experiments on humans.

Beer polyphenols and menopause – Journal of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity

⛔️ Aluminum cans are harmful. Hardly. The walls of the aluminum can are covered with a special polymer layer that contains bisphenol A – BPA. This means that the beer does not come into contact with the metal in any way. But there are concerns about bisphenol itself, a polymer that is present in a large number of household and medical items: beer cans, baby food, dental equipment.

We do not know exactly how BPA in low doses affects the human body. There are several animal studies that show that bisphenol can affect female and male infertility, lead to premature puberty, provoke the occurrence of hormone-dependent tumors and some metabolic disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome. But according to the current FDA recommendations, which are based on hundreds of studies, bisphenol in the amount used in the production of modern packaging is safe.

BPA Long-Term Exposure Health Risk Study – NCBI

FDA Guidelines, FDA

Metallic taste in beer is a defect that occurs when brewing from poor-quality yeast, grain, or improper water preparation or incorrect handling of beer equipment. But not at all because of aluminum cans.

What about non-alcoholic beer

If you remove ethanol, then, apparently, beer becomes safe for health and a good isotonic in sports.

But unfortunately, this does not work for pregnant and lactating women, because even non-alcoholic beer contains 0.5% alcohol and even this can affect the development of the fetus and lead to disproportionate anatomy, growth and learning problems.

Also, non-alcoholic beer is not suitable for alcoholics because the taste and smell can trigger them and cause them to relapse.

The smell of beer causes the release of dopamine in alcohol addicts – the journal “Neuropsychopharmacology”

Bottom line

Beer can be harmful because of the alcohol it contains. While some evidence suggests that moderate drinking protects against depression, it’s best not to start if you’re not drinking.

A belly can grow from beer, but it will not be some special beer belly, but an ordinary one. This happens when you eat and drink more than you burn.

Beer does not loosen the muscles, but, on the contrary, can help in sports, because it maintains the water-salt balance. Non-alcoholic beer copes with this task better than alcoholic beer.

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How much does it cost to brew beer at home

Hops do contain acids that are similar in structure to female sex hormones. But there are so few of them that they do not affect the growth of the male breast.

Metallic taste in beer – a defect during brewing if low-quality raw materials are used. Aluminum cans have nothing to do with it.

Non-alcoholic beer is safe, but not for everyone – pregnant, lactating and alcohol addicts should not drink.

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The first Belgian brasseries
since 2008 in St. Petersburg

November 28, 2014

Drinking beer or not is an individual choice for everyone. However, you need to know not only that beer is harmful to health, but also that it has properties that are beneficial for the human body, if, of course, you drink it in moderation.

Only without abuse this noble drink can bring quite tangible benefits. The Belgian pub on Chernyshevskaya does not encourage you to drink beer, but to study the reasons why you can occasionally sit down for a glass of this drink.

1. Beer consumption reduces the risk of myocardial infarction by 40-60%.
2. People who drink beer have a lower risk of stroke.
3. Moderate consumption of beer lowers blood pressure.
4. People who drink beer produce insulin better, which means they are less likely to develop diabetes.
5. Beer consumption improves memory and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
6. Beer strengthens bones due to the content of silicon. People who drink beer are less prone to osteoporosis.
7. On average, people who drink a couple of glasses of beer a day live several years longer than non-drinkers. This is associated with the influence of beer components on the cardiovascular system.
8. The content of lactic and acetic acid prevents diarrhea.
9. Beer is indicated for stress: people adapt better to difficult situations if they drink beer from time to time.
10. Beer drinkers are 40% less likely to develop kidney and gallstones.