Is beer healthy for you. How much beer should you drink. What are the potential benefits and risks of beer consumption. What nutrients does beer contain. How can you enjoy beer responsibly.

The Nutritional Profile of Beer: More Than Just Empty Calories

Contrary to popular belief, beer is not devoid of nutritional value. While it shouldn’t replace a balanced diet, this fermented beverage does contain a variety of minerals and vitamins that contribute to its overall composition.

Minerals in Beer

Beer contains a diverse array of minerals, including:

• Calcium
• Copper
• Iron
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Silicon
• Selenium
• Fluoride
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Zinc

Vitamins in Beer

The vitamin content of beer includes:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
• Vitamin B6
• Folate
• Choline
• Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine)
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin K

Amino Acids in Beer

Beer also contains several amino acids, including:

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

While the presence of these nutrients is noteworthy, it’s important to remember that beer should not be considered a primary source of nutrition. The alcohol content and caloric density of beer mean that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Potential Health Benefits of Moderate Beer Consumption

Recent research suggests that light to moderate beer consumption may offer some health benefits. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these potential benefits are associated with responsible drinking habits and should not be used as a justification for excessive alcohol consumption.

Heart Health and Beer

Can beer consumption impact heart health? Some studies indicate that moderate beer intake may have cardiovascular benefits. A 2020 review article found that people who consume beer in moderate amounts tend to have:

• Higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol
• Better vascular elasticity
• Higher levels of apolipoprotein A1, a protein component of HDL cholesterol

Additionally, a 2016 review article suggested that low to moderate beer consumption (up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men) may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s important to note that these studies defined moderate consumption as up to one 330ml can of 5% alcohol beer daily for women and up to two cans for men.

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Beer

Does beer consumption have any impact on neurodegenerative diseases? Some research suggests it might. The same 2016 review article that explored cardiovascular benefits also found that low to moderate beer consumption was associated with a decreased risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

Furthermore, a 2019 review claimed that moderate beer consumption might help reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative 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

Can beer consumption affect blood sugar levels? Some studies have explored this relationship. A 2018 study concluded that low to moderate alcohol consumption was associated with better blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Another study from 2019 suggested that moderate alcohol consumption might decrease the risk of developing dementia. While these findings are intriguing, it’s crucial to remember that excessive alcohol consumption can have severe negative impacts on blood sugar control and overall health.

Osteoporosis and Beer

Osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become brittle and more susceptible to breaks, becomes an increasing concern as people age. Some research has explored whether alcohol consumption, including beer, might impact bone health.

A 2019 study focusing on postmenopausal women in South Korea found that those who drank 2-3 times per week had higher bone density compared to those who did not drink. However, it’s important to note that this study does not establish causation, and other factors may have influenced these results.

The Dark Side of Beer: Risks Associated with Excessive Consumption

While moderate beer consumption may offer some potential benefits, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with excessive drinking. Heavy or chronic alcohol consumption can lead to a range of serious health issues and social problems.

Health Risks of Excessive Beer Consumption

What are the potential health consequences of drinking too much beer? Excessive alcohol consumption, including beer, has been linked to numerous health problems, including:

• Cancer: Alcohol is a known carcinogen and can increase the risk of several types of cancer.
• Liver failure: Chronic heavy drinking can lead to fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
• Cardiovascular disease: While moderate consumption may have some benefits, excessive drinking can damage the heart and increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
• Diabetes: Heavy drinking can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Pancreatic disease: Alcohol abuse can lead to acute and chronic pancreatitis.
• Infectious diseases: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various infections.
• Neuropsychiatric diseases: Long-term heavy drinking can lead to brain damage and increase the risk of mental health disorders.
• Weight gain: Beer is calorie-dense, and excessive consumption can contribute to obesity.
• Depression: While some people may use alcohol to self-medicate for depression, heavy drinking can worsen depressive symptoms over time.

Behavioral Risks Associated with Excessive Beer Consumption

Beyond the direct health impacts, what other risks are associated with excessive beer drinking? People who consume excessive amounts of alcohol may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, which can lead to:

• Accidents and injuries
• Violent behavior
• Poor decision-making
• Unsafe sexual practices
• Legal problems

These behavioral risks can result in major bodily injury, legal consequences, or even death. It’s crucial to recognize that the negative impacts of excessive drinking extend beyond individual health and can affect families, communities, and society as a whole.

Recommended Beer Consumption: Finding the Right Balance

Given the potential benefits and risks associated with beer consumption, what is the recommended amount of beer to drink? The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide some guidance on this matter.

Moderate Drinking Guidelines

According to these guidelines, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as:

• For women: Up to 1 drink per day
• For men: Up to 2 drinks per day

In the context of beer, one drink is equivalent to 12 ounces (about 355 ml) of regular beer (5% alcohol). It’s important to note that these are upper limits, not recommendations. For many people, lower levels of consumption or abstention may be more appropriate.

Factors Influencing Safe Consumption Levels

What factors should be considered when determining safe beer consumption levels? Several individual factors can influence how alcohol affects a person, including:

• Body weight and composition
• Age
• Gender
• Overall health status
• Medication use
• Family history of alcohol problems

Additionally, certain groups should avoid alcohol altogether, including pregnant women, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those taking medications that interact with alcohol.

Responsible Beer Drinking: Tips for Healthier Consumption

If you choose to drink beer, how can you do so responsibly? Here are some tips for healthier beer consumption:

1. Stay within recommended limits: Don’t exceed the guidelines for moderate drinking.
2. Pace yourself: Drink slowly and alternate with water or non-alcoholic beverages.
3. Eat before and while drinking: Food can slow alcohol absorption.
4. Choose lower alcohol options: Opt for beers with lower alcohol content when possible.
5. Be aware of serving sizes: Some craft beers may have higher alcohol content or larger serving sizes.
6. Plan for safe transportation: Never drink and drive.
7. Know your limits: Be honest with yourself about how alcohol affects you.
8. Take regular breaks: Consider having alcohol-free days or weeks.
9. Don’t use beer as a coping mechanism: Find healthier ways to deal with stress or emotions.
10. Be mindful of calories: Remember that beer can contribute significantly to daily calorie intake.

Beer and Nutrition: Debunking Myths and Misconceptions

Despite its widespread consumption, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding beer and its nutritional impact. Let’s explore some of these and separate fact from fiction.

The “Beer Belly” Myth

Is the notorious “beer belly” solely caused by beer consumption? While excessive beer drinking can certainly contribute to weight gain, the term “beer belly” is somewhat misleading. Weight gain from beer consumption is not specific to the abdominal area; it’s a result of overall calorie surplus. The appearance of a protruding belly is more likely due to a combination of factors, including genetics, overall diet, and lifestyle habits.

Beer and Hydration

Does beer dehydrate you? It’s a common belief that beer, being a diuretic, leads to dehydration. While it’s true that alcohol can increase urine production, moderate beer consumption (which is mostly water) typically doesn’t lead to significant dehydration. However, excessive consumption can indeed result in dehydration, which contributes to hangover symptoms.

Nutritional Differences in Beer Types

Are all beers created equal nutritionally? Not quite. Different types of beer can vary significantly in their nutritional content. For example:

• Light beers generally have fewer calories and lower alcohol content.
• Craft beers often have higher alcohol content and more calories, but may also have more diverse nutritional profiles due to varied ingredients.
• Non-alcoholic beers can provide some of the nutritional benefits of beer without the risks associated with alcohol consumption.

Understanding these differences can help consumers make more informed choices about their beer consumption.

The Future of Beer: Trends in Healthier Brewing

As health consciousness grows among consumers, how is the beer industry responding? Several trends are emerging in the brewing world that aim to create healthier beer options:

Low and No-Alcohol Beers

The market for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers has been growing rapidly. These products allow consumers to enjoy the taste of beer while minimizing alcohol intake. Improvements in brewing technology have led to non-alcoholic beers that closely mimic the taste of traditional beers.

Functional Beers

Some brewers are experimenting with adding functional ingredients to beer, such as probiotics, vitamins, or electrolytes. While the effectiveness of these additions is debatable, it reflects a growing interest in making beer more than just an alcoholic beverage.

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Options

To cater to various dietary needs, many brewers now offer gluten-free beers made from alternative grains. Additionally, low-carb beers have gained popularity among those watching their carbohydrate intake.

Sustainability in Brewing

While not directly related to health, many consumers consider environmental sustainability as part of overall wellness. Breweries are increasingly focusing on sustainable practices, which can indirectly contribute to public health by reducing environmental impact.

These trends suggest that the future of beer may involve more diverse options catering to health-conscious consumers while still preserving the enjoyment and social aspects of beer drinking.

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

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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.