Is beer consumption beneficial for health. How much beer is safe to drink. What are the potential risks of excessive beer drinking. What nutrients does beer contain. Can beer help prevent certain diseases. How does beer affect blood sugar control. Does beer impact bone health.

The Nutritional Profile of Beer: More Than Just Alcohol

Beer, often dismissed as an empty-calorie beverage, actually contains a surprising array of nutrients. While it shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a balanced diet, understanding its nutritional composition can provide insight into its potential health effects.

Essential Minerals in Beer

Beer contains various minerals that play crucial roles in bodily functions. These include:

• Calcium: Important for bone health and muscle function
• Iron: Essential for oxygen transport in the blood
• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function
• Selenium: Acts as an antioxidant
• Phosphorus: Crucial for bone structure and energy metabolism
• Potassium: Regulates fluid balance and supports heart function
• Zinc: Important for immune function and wound healing

Vitamin Content in Beer

Beer also contains several vitamins, primarily from the B-complex group:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): Supports energy metabolism
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Important for cell growth and function
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Helps convert food into energy
• Vitamin B6: Involved in brain development and function
• Folate: Crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division
• Vitamin B12: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation

Additionally, beer contains small amounts of vitamins A, E, D, and K, which play various roles in maintaining overall health.

Amino Acids in Beer

Beer also provides some amino acids, the building blocks of proteins:

• Alanine
• Aspartic acid
• Glutamic acid
• Glycine
• Proline

While these nutrients are present in beer, it’s important to note that their concentrations are generally low. Beer should not be relied upon as a primary source of these nutrients.

Potential Health Benefits of Moderate Beer Consumption

Research suggests that light to moderate beer consumption may offer certain health benefits. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these potential benefits are associated with responsible drinking and do not outweigh the risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

Heart Health and Beer

Can beer consumption impact cardiovascular health? Some studies indicate that moderate beer intake may have protective effects on the heart. A 2020 review found that moderate beer drinkers had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol. They also exhibited better vascular elasticity and higher levels of apolipoprotein A1, a protein component of HDL.

A 2016 review corroborated these findings, suggesting that low to moderate beer consumption (up to one 330ml can per day for women and up to two for men) may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits are quickly outweighed by the risks associated with higher levels of consumption.

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Beer

Does beer consumption affect brain health? Some research suggests a potential link between moderate beer intake and a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A 2019 review proposed that moderate beer consumption might help decrease the risk of developing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand this relationship and the mechanisms behind it.

Blood Sugar Control and Beer

How does beer affect blood sugar levels? Interestingly, some studies have found associations between low to moderate alcohol consumption and improved blood sugar control. A 2018 study concluded that light to moderate alcohol intake was linked to better blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Furthermore, a 2019 study suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might decrease the risk of developing dementia, a condition often associated with impaired glucose metabolism in the brain. However, it’s crucial to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have severe negative impacts on blood sugar control and overall health.

Bone Health and Beer

Can beer consumption affect bone density? Some research indicates that moderate alcohol intake, including beer, may have a positive impact on bone health. A 2019 study focusing on postmenopausal women in South Korea found that those who consumed alcohol 2-3 times per week had higher bone density compared to non-drinkers.

This potential benefit may be due to the presence of dietary silicon in beer, which is thought to contribute to bone and connective tissue health. However, it’s important to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental effects on bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis.

The Dark Side of Beer: Risks of Excessive Consumption

While moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with excessive drinking. The negative consequences of heavy alcohol consumption far outweigh any potential benefits.

Increased Cancer Risk

How does excessive beer consumption affect cancer risk? Heavy alcohol intake, including beer, has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer. These include:

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

The mechanisms behind this increased risk are complex and not fully understood, but they likely involve the way alcohol is metabolized in the body and its effects on hormone levels and cell damage.

Liver Disease

What impact does excessive beer drinking have on the liver? The liver is particularly vulnerable to the effects of alcohol. Chronic heavy drinking can lead to a range of liver problems, including:

• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

These conditions can severely impair liver function and may ultimately lead to liver failure, a life-threatening condition.

Cardiovascular Complications

While moderate consumption may have some heart health benefits, excessive beer intake can have the opposite effect. Heavy drinking can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
• Weakened heart muscle (alcoholic cardiomyopathy)
• Increased risk of stroke

Mental Health Issues

How does excessive beer consumption affect mental health? Heavy drinking can have significant negative impacts on mental health, including:

• Increased risk of depression and anxiety
• Exacerbation of existing mental health conditions
• Impaired cognitive function
• Increased risk of alcohol dependence

Other Health Risks

Excessive beer consumption can also lead to:

• Pancreatitis
• Weakened immune system
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Weight gain and obesity
• Increased risk of accidents and injuries

Defining Moderate Beer Consumption: What’s the Right Amount?

Understanding what constitutes moderate beer consumption is crucial for those who choose to drink. But how much is too much, and what guidelines should people follow?

Official Recommendations

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate alcohol consumption as:

• Women: Up to 1 drink per day
• Men: Up to 2 drinks per day

In terms of beer, one drink is defined as 12 ounces (about 355 ml) of regular beer with approximately 5% alcohol content.

Factors Influencing Individual Tolerance

It’s important to note that these guidelines are general recommendations. Individual tolerance and the effects of alcohol can vary based on several factors:

• Body weight and composition
• Age
• Gender
• Genetics
• Overall health status
• Medications

Some individuals may need to drink less than the recommended amount or avoid alcohol altogether due to health conditions or medications that interact with alcohol.

When to Avoid Beer Completely

There are certain situations where beer and other alcoholic beverages should be avoided entirely:

• During pregnancy or when trying to conceive
• While breastfeeding
• If you have certain medical conditions (e.g., liver disease, pancreatitis)
• If you’re taking medications that interact with alcohol
• If you have a history of alcohol use disorder
• Before driving or operating machinery

The Brewing Process: How Beer is Made

Understanding how beer is made can provide insight into its nutritional content and potential health effects. The brewing process has been refined over thousands of years, resulting in the diverse array of beers available today.

Key Ingredients in Beer

The four main ingredients in beer are:

1. Water: The primary ingredient, making up 90-95% of beer’s content
2. Malted grains: Usually barley, but sometimes wheat, rye, or other grains
3. Hops: Flowers that add bitterness and flavor
4. Yeast: Microorganisms that ferment sugars into alcohol

The Brewing Steps

The basic steps in brewing beer include:

1. Malting: Grains are soaked in water, allowed to germinate, and then dried
2. Mashing: Malted grains are mixed with hot water to extract sugars
3. Boiling: The resulting liquid (wort) is boiled with hops
4. Fermentation: Yeast is added to convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide
5. Conditioning: The beer is aged to develop flavor
6. Packaging: The finished beer is bottled, canned, or kegged

This process can vary depending on the type of beer being produced, leading to differences in flavor, alcohol content, and nutritional profile.

Beer in Context: Comparing Beer to Other Alcoholic Beverages

While this article focuses on beer, it’s worth considering how it compares to other alcoholic beverages in terms of health effects and nutritional content.

Alcohol Content

Beer typically has a lower alcohol content compared to wine and spirits:

• Beer: Usually 3.5-10% alcohol by volume (ABV)
• Wine: Typically 12-15% ABV
• Spirits: Usually 40% ABV or higher

This means that a standard serving of beer often contains less alcohol than a standard serving of wine or spirits.

Calorie Content

The calorie content of alcoholic beverages can vary widely:

• Regular beer (12 oz): About 150 calories
• Light beer (12 oz): About 100 calories
• Red wine (5 oz): About 125 calories
• White wine (5 oz): About 120 calories
• Spirits (1.5 oz): About 100 calories (not including mixers)

Nutritional Content

Beer often contains more nutrients than wine or spirits due to its ingredients and brewing process. It typically has higher levels of B vitamins, silicon, and certain minerals. However, wine, particularly red wine, is known for its high antioxidant content, which may offer additional health benefits.

Beyond Health: The Cultural and Social Aspects of Beer

While this article has focused primarily on the health aspects of beer consumption, it’s important to acknowledge the significant role beer plays in many cultures and social situations.

Cultural Significance

Beer has been a part of human civilization for thousands of years. It has played roles in:

• Religious ceremonies
• Cultural traditions
• Economic development
• Culinary practices

In many societies, beer is more than just a beverage – it’s a cultural artifact with deep historical roots.

Social Aspects

Beer often serves as a social lubricant, playing a role in:

• Celebrations and festivals
• Social gatherings
• Team-building and networking events
• Relaxation and stress relief

However, it’s crucial to remember that these social benefits should be balanced against the potential health risks of alcohol consumption.

Economic Impact

The beer industry has significant economic implications:

• Job creation in brewing, distribution, and hospitality sectors
• Tax revenue for governments
• Tourism related to breweries and beer festivals
• Agricultural demand for brewing ingredients

Understanding these broader contexts can provide a more comprehensive view of beer’s role in society, beyond its nutritional and health impacts.

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.

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.

Can beer consumption be part of a healthy diet?

California Polytechnic University Associate Professor of Agro-Industry Michael McCullough and Assistant Professor Richard Wolpe, in an article published in the American Association of Agricultural and Applied Economics magazine Choices, present research evidence of the health benefits of moderate beer consumption (see original for a list of studies used). ), and talk about the need to include recommendations for moderate beer consumption in government dietary guidelines.

Mainly due to the “French paradox”, wine – red wine in particular – has long been considered an alcoholic beverage with a higher likelihood of health benefits. This idea has been circulating in academic research, marketing, and the general press. Our goal is not to dispel the notion that moderate wine consumption is good for health, but to highlight the growing body of research on the health benefits of beer, which is comparable to wine in many ways, but is not widely regarded as a health drink.

The article collects and discusses research that can serve as a basis for updating and clarifying government guidelines for beer consumption. There is also the potential to change the policy of alcohol sales, excise taxation and consumption. For example, federal and state laws regulate alcoholic beverages – alcohol content, sales restrictions, production methods, acceptable container sizes. Most of these laws aim to reduce unhealthy and excessive alcohol consumption, but their effectiveness is debatable. There are precedents for government regulation that takes into account beer consumption, and there is likely room for better laws and more education.

Before we delve into the likely benefits of moderate beer consumption, we must emphasize that we are talking about moderate consumption. There is no doubt that alcohol is an addiction for many people, and alcoholism is costly for individuals and society as a whole. There is a wealth of literature on the basics of addiction (for the neuroscience of addiction, see Gilpin and Koob, 2008), and some people would be better off not drinking at all. Moreover, we emphasize that including moderate alcohol consumption in a healthy diet is not a substitute for food, fruits and vegetables.

Alcohol and health effects

Researchers in nutrition, epidemiology and the social sciences have been studying the health effects of alcohol for decades. Empirical studies in various fields show that the relationship between alcohol consumption and health has a U or J shape. For example, one of the earliest studies to look directly at this phenomenon (Marmot et al. for 10 years. The authors found that moderate drinking (less than 34 grams per day, the equivalent of 2.4 drinks) was associated with a reduced risk of death compared to excessive consumption and total sobriety. Since then, studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption has a protective effect on cardiovascular disease (Marmot and Brunner, 1991), stroke (Berger et al., 1999), type 2 diabetes (Baliunas et al., 2009), cancer (Tsugane et al., 1999) and other diseases.

Initially, the discussion of the likely health benefits of drinking alcohol developed mainly around the so-called “French Paradox”. Compared to other developed countries, and taking into account the per capita consumption of saturated fat, France has a low rate of chronic heart disease. Influential Research (Renaud and de Lorgeril, 1992) argues that moderate alcohol consumption reduces platelet aggregation, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease, which helps to unravel the paradox. Since then, numerous studies and literature reviews (Bertelli and Das, 2009) have reported protective effects of resveratrol, an antioxidant found in grapes. In particular, because of this study, wine is often referred to as the healthiest alcoholic beverage when consumed in moderation (Gronbaek et al., 1995).

However, research on alcohol and health continues, and evidence is accumulating that beer has its own health benefits. In particular, xanthohumol, a flavonoid contained in hops, is present in beer. It has been shown to slow down the process of cancer development at the cellular level (Vanhoecke et al., 2005) and has health effects through drinking beer (Magalhaes et al. , 2009). Beer also contains nutrients not found in wine and spirits, including fiber, minerals, and B vitamins (Denke, 2000; Bamforth, 2002).

Health effects of beer consumption

Studies (Keil et al., 1997, Brenner et al., 2001) show the impact of moderate alcohol consumption in predominantly beer countries. The first study showed a U-shaped curve between alcohol consumption (mainly beer) and coronary heart disease and mortality. The lowest health risk was found in men who consumed 20-39.9 g of alcohol per day (from 1.43 to 2.85 drinks). The second study found a strong inverse relationship between alcohol consumption (again predominantly beer) and coronary heart disease among German men. Burger and Mensink (2004) also studied the German population through a national questionnaire and survey, where dietary data are considered along with the obtained health data. The authors calculated an upper limit of alcohol consumption, the level of daily consumption up to which no significant harmful effects of alcohol on health are found. This is 20-24 grams per day for men (1.43-1.71 drinks) and 10-12 grams for women (0.71-0.86 drinks).

Many additional beneficial effects specific to beer have been identified using longitudinal data. A study by Wannamethee et al. (2004) found a strong inverse relationship between alcohol consumption and weight gain among women over eight years. The impact of beer was comparable in importance to wine. A study by Thadhani et al. (2002) found a reduced risk of high blood pressure associated with small beer consumption among young women. The authors observed that both beer and wine consumption showed significant health effects, but that the effects of wine appeared to be more significant in various studies. Wannamethee et al. (2003) shows an inverse relationship between alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes among women who drink beer and wine, but not hard alcohol. Hop and yeast extracts, when consumed in beer, have been shown to improve skin health and even accelerate wound healing in laboratory experiments (Chen et al. , 2014). Another example is Pedrera-Zamorano et al., 2009Demonstrates the potential of drinking beer to increase bone mass in adult women.

Several studies have directly compared the health effects of beer and other beverages. One early study (Hennekens et al., 1979) found that moderate beer consumption reduced the risk of coronary heart disease even more than wine or spirits. However, for all types of alcohol, consumption of more than 59.2 ml per day was associated with an increased risk. A large meta-analysis (Di Castelnuovo et al., 2002) analyzed the effects of beer and wine consumption on heart and vascular health. Recently (Volpe et al., 2016), household scan data and self-reported health data have been used to demonstrate that beer has a protective effect comparable to wine against coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The possible links between alcohol consumption and dementia, a decline in cognitive abilities, have also been extensively researched. Peters et al. (2008) reviewed 23 related studies and concluded that light to moderate alcohol consumption is likely to have a protective effect against senile dementia. Beer has no analogues among other alcoholic beverages, as it contains silicon. Gonzalez-Munoz et al. (2008) note that beer may have an additional effect in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, since silicon prevents the absorption of aluminum, one of the likely factors in the development of the disease.

American Guidelines: Amount and Frequency

The Dietary Guide for Americans, jointly produced by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services, is supposed to summarize existing research on nutrition and biology to inform Americans about healthy eating habits. The 2015-2020 version of the guideline on alcohol states: “Moderate alcohol consumption can be a component of a healthy diet, and if alcohol is consumed, it should be consumed in moderation and only by adults.” Men are advised to consume no more than two drinks a day, women – no more than one.

The main change in the manual from the previous edition is how much alcohol is in a standard drink. Concerns have been voiced by various producer associations that the previous definition of a standard drink was too broad, and consumers may assume that, for example, a martini and a pint of beer contain the same amount of alcohol. The tables show examples of calculating the number of “drinks” – one standard drink contains 14 grams of pure alcohol.

The guidelines, however, do not indicate differences in the health effects of different types of beverages. What’s more, researchers believe that health effects may depend on factors such as age or gender, but none of these factors are listed in the guidelines’ comments on alcohol. Finally, without a clear definition of healthy and unhealthy consumption, there is a chance that people will misinterpret the data.

Despite extensive evidence supporting moderate beer consumption as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, alcohol consumption is associated with risks. These risks also need to be taken into account when formulating dietary recommendations and laws. Most, though not all, of the studies that have found an inverse relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of various diseases have noted that high or excessive alcohol consumption is detrimental to health and longevity. This corresponds to the familiar U-curve. Further evidence of the health and social risks of overconsumption, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the annual cost of excessive alcohol consumption at about $223 billion. This includes medical and legal expenses, and 75% of expenses can be attributed to occasional alcohol abuse.

We argue that perhaps the most important advice about beer consumption and health is to avoid abuse. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines episodic abuse as an increase in blood alcohol content above 0.08. This is usually interpreted as five drinks in two hours for men and four for women. The agency also indicates that 70% of binge drinking episodes involve adults 26 years of age and older, with 90% of alcohol consumed by young people under 21 is consumed in the form of episodic excessive consumption. What’s more, occasional drinkers are 14 times more likely to drive drunk than non-drinkers. Abuse is more common among men than women, and more than half of the alcohol consumed in the United States is consumed in episodic excessive form.

According to the World Health Organization’s 2014 annual per capita consumption of alcohol by persons over 15 years of age, each person in the United States drank 4. 16 liters of pure alcohol in the form of beer in 2010. Based on standard drinks from the recommendations, this is 0.64 drinks per day. Some studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption may include at least one day per week without alcohol (Anderson, 1996). If we recalculate the amount of alcohol for six days a week, the average American drinks 0.75 beers per day.

However, we know that not all of the population over the age of 15 drink alcohol. In the 2015 National Survey on Health and Substance Use, 70.1% of residents aged 18 and over reported having consumed alcohol in the past year. Adjusting the WHO statistics for these data, we find that the average annual consumption of beer is about 1.07 drinks per day for a six-day “drinking week”, which is well below the definition of moderate drinking. The graph compares the volume of beer consumption in terms of standard drinks in the US, UK and Germany (comparison countries where excessive alcohol consumption is considered a serious social problem) over a six-day week. Note that per capita beer consumption is declining in every country and in all cases falls below the threshold of moderate consumption.

Given the average amount of beer consumed in the US and the prevalence of excessive episodic drinking, we can conclude that the main problem with unhealthy drinking is not with the total amount of alcohol consumed, but with the drinking schedule. It is logical to assume that educational activity should emphasize what is healthy consumption, what is unhealthy, and describe the positive effects of beer as a component of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Current dietary guidelines and outreach activities could be improved to highlight the benefits of beer versus hard liquor, for example, and re-warn against episodic overconsumption.

Healthy consumption

So what is healthy beer consumption? Given everything we know from previous research, unhealthy consumption is understandable. However, it is clear that there is a need to explain to Americans how beer can be included in a healthy diet. Removing the culture of beer consumption from excess consumption can significantly reduce the economic burden of unhealthy consumption. There are attempts to do this, but they can be misleading if there is no clear description of the healthy components of beer in dietary recommendations.

One example is the proposal to use a nutrition label. Anheuser-Busch InBev, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands and Heineken have agreed to include this information on all labels by 2020. This will include information about serving size, number of servings per pack, calories, carbs, protein, and fat. However, the labels do not tell the consumer that different beers may contain different ingredients, that one variety may have more vitamins and minerals than another. For example, niacin (vitamin B3) significantly increases high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol and lowers low-density lipoprotein. Depending on the composition of the beer (use of barley malt or rice, the presence of residual yeast after filtration), the niacin content can vary significantly. The guide talks about various healthy food ingredients (such as animal protein) and their benefits for a healthy diet when consumed in moderation, and the same can be done with beer and other alcoholic beverages.

Furthermore, we argue that some of the existing laws regarding alcohol (eg restricting access to it) may lead to unhealthy use. As an extreme example, take an early 20th-century law in Australia and New Zealand that required pubs to close at 6pm. This demand led to a phenomenon known as the Six Hour Pump, where people got drunk between the end of the day and the closing of the pub. Today, in the United States, numerous laws prohibit the sale of alcohol on certain days of the week. Researchers believe that such laws affect not so much the overall consumption of alcohol, but the schedule of its consumption. For example, a study by Carpenter and Eisenberg (2009) showed that the lifting of the Sunday alcohol ban in Canada resulted in consumers shifting some of their Saturday drinking to Sunday. The ban may actually have contributed to overconsumption by some citizens.

Given that overall beer consumption is on average below what is considered moderate drinking, and that there are significant health benefits from moderate consumption, education policies should be pursued and prohibitions with unexpected consequences should be avoided.

Effect of beer on the human body.

Ministry of Health of the Astrakhan Region

Center for Medical Prevention

Memo

90 002

IMPACT OF BEER ON THE HUMAN BODY

from the fact that beer, like vodka, cognac, dry wine is an alcoholic drink, because it also contains ethyl alcohol. Those who think that only strong alcoholic drinks are dangerous to health are deeply mistaken. It has been established that after drinking two mugs of beer, a person gives his body the same alcohol load as if he had drunk 100 grams of vodka.

They drink beer in mugs, each containing 300-500 grams. With the first mug of beer, 20 grams of absolute alcohol enters the body, with two – already 40 grams, i.e. the same amount as in half a glass of vodka. Although in the 21st century such types of beer began to appear, in which the alcohol content reaches 12% or more. With the constant use of such beer, serious health problems can arise.

Those who systematically drink beer experience the same alcoholic overload as when drinking strong alcoholic beverages.

Beer alcoholism exists – it is finally recognized and it comes much faster than vodka. Because of the taste, the presence of sedative components, and the “frivolity in degrees”, beer cravings are more difficult to fight than vodka cravings. A clear craving for vodka still makes a person, at least sometimes in a moment of sobriety, be frightened, looking at himself from the outside, to realize that he is moving towards the abyss. And the harm of beer is precisely in the fact that those who are fond of only beer are “calm” for themselves – well, what is beer, nothing serious, just to quench their thirst in the heat. And they do not notice that the amount of beer they drink increases from time to time, and in order to experience similar sensations, more and more intoxicating drink is required. Then its degree rises by switching to more and more strong varieties. Therefore, beer alcoholism is a severe, difficult-to-treat variant of alcoholism, and it needs to be treated.

Beer affects the human body much more harmfully

other alcoholic beverages.

The most devastating and harmful consequence of excessive beer consumption is a diseased heart, the so-called “beer” or “bull’s” heart. It is expressed in the expansion of the cavities of the heart, thickening of its walls, necrosis in the heart muscle. At the same time, the heart rate increases, arrhythmias occur, and an increase in blood pressure is often observed. Blood vessels dilate on the face, it becomes flabby, puffy, with characteristic “bags” under the eyes. It is recognized that these changes are associated with the presence of toxic substances in beer and the heart muscle in beer drinkers exceeds the permissible norm by 10 times.

Another factor of harm to beer is its hormone-like action. In the body of men with the systematic use of beer, a substance is released that suppresses the production of the male sex hormone – testosterone. At the same time, female sex hormones begin to be produced, causing changes in the appearance of men. In men drinking beer, the shoulders are rounded, the mammary glands grow, the pelvis becomes wider, the stomach increases in volume (it is not for nothing that it is called “beer”), the hairiness of the body and face decreases. The harm of beer is manifested in the fact that it leads not only to a change in the appearance of young people, but also in the future to a violation of potency (deterioration in the quality of sperm) and childbearing. Now, as you know, half of infertile marriages are such “through the fault” of men – and in fact, infertility is formed for more than one month and not a year, arising just in a stormy adolescence. In women who drink beer, the likelihood of getting cancer increases, the voice becomes rougher and the so-called “beer mustache” appears, but if it is a nursing mother, then the child may have epileptic convulsions.

We must realize that the impact on human health with beer is enormous. Because of such a simple drink, brain cells die, and many body functions are disrupted, there is cirrhosis of the liver, gastritis and many other, sometimes incurable diseases.

Who should not drink beer?

Not everyone can drink beer, in some cases it is necessary to consult a doctor first. Refuse beer should:

Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Even small amounts of alcohol can harm a child.

People with alcohol or drug addiction.

Young people under 18.

Persons with diseases of the liver and pancreas. If you have any chronic diseases, you should consult your doctor.