Is beer healthy for you: Is Beer Good for You? Potential Benefits and Downsides
Is Beer Good for You? Potential Benefits and Downsides
People around the world have been drinking beer for thousands of years.
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and other flavoring agents. Most types of beer contain 4–6% alcohol, but the beverage can range from 0.5–40%.
Because emerging research has shown that moderate amounts of wine may have health benefits, many people wonder if beer can be good for you.
This article explores the nutrition of beer, as well as its potential benefits and downsides.
Though beer is often viewed as empty calories, it contains some minerals and vitamins.
Below is a nutrition comparison of 12 ounces (355 mL) of standard and light beer (1, 2):
| Standard beer | Light beer | |
| Calories | 153 | 103 |
| Protein | 1. 6 grams | 0.9 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Carbs | 13 grams | 6 grams |
| Niacin | 9% of the Daily Value (DV) | 9% of the DV |
| Riboflavin | 7% of the DV | 7% of the DV |
| Choline | 7% of the DV | 6% of the DV |
| Folate | 5% of the DV | 5% of the DV |
| Magnesium | 5% of the DV | 4% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 4% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Selenium | 4% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 3% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Pantothenic acid | 3% of the DV | 2% of the DV |
| Alcohol | 13. 9 grams | 11 grams |
In addition, both types contain small amounts of potassium, calcium, thiamine, iron, and zinc. The content of B vitamins and minerals is a result of beer being made from cereal grains and yeast.
Notably, light beer has around two-thirds of the calories of regular beer and slightly less alcohol.
Though beer contains small amounts of micronutrients, it isn’t a good source compared with whole foods like fruits and vegetables. You would need to drink massive amounts of beer to reach your daily nutrient requirements.
Summary
Beer contains a variety of B vitamins and minerals because it’s made from cereal grains and yeast. However, whole foods like fruits and vegetables are a better source. You shouldn’t use beer to reach your daily nutrient needs.
Light to moderate beer intake may be linked to some health benefits.
May benefit your heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (3).
Several studies suggest that light to moderate beer and alcohol intake may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
A 12-week study in 36 adults with overweight found that moderate beer intake — one drink for women, two drinks for men per day — improved the antioxidant properties of HDL (good) cholesterol while also improving the body’s ability to remove cholesterol (4).
A large review stated that low to moderate beer intake — up to one drink per day in women, up to two for men — could lower heart disease risk to a similar extent as wine (5).
However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits are related to light to moderate intake only. On the other hand, heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke (5).
May improve blood sugar control
Light to moderate alcohol intake may improve blood sugar control, an issue for many people with diabetes.
Several studies have found that light to moderate alcohol intake appears to reduce insulin resistance — a risk factor for diabetes — as well as the overall risk for developing type 2 diabetes (6, 7, 8).
What’s more, a large study in over 70,500 participants associated moderate alcohol intake — 14 drinks per week for men and nine drinks per week for women — with a 43% and 58% lower risk of diabetes for men and women, respectively (9).
However, heavy and binge drinking can counter these benefits and significantly increase the risk of diabetes (8, 10).
It’s also important to note that this potential benefit doesn’t apply to beers and other alcoholic beverages that contain high amounts of sugar.
Other potential benefits
Light to moderate beer intake may be associated with these benefits:
- May aid bone density. Low to moderate beer intake may be linked to stronger bones in men and postmenopausal women (11, 12, 13).
- May lower dementia risk. Light to moderate alcohol intake may lower the risk of dementia. However, heavy alcohol intake can instead increase the risk (14, 15).
Summary
Light to moderate beer intake may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, stronger bones, and reduced dementia risk.
However, heavy and binge drinking has the opposite effects.
However, heavy and binge drinking has the opposite effects.Though light to moderate beer intake has potential benefits, heavy intake and binge drinking can be extremely harmful.
Below are some of the negative effects of drinking too much alcohol:
- Increased risk of death. Heavy and binge drinkers have a higher risk of early death than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers (16, 17).
- Alcohol dependence. Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to dependence and alcohol use disorder (18).
- Increased risk of depression. Research suggests heavy and binge drinkers have a significantly higher risk of depression compared with moderate drinkers and nondrinkers (19, 20).
- Liver disease. Research suggests drinking more than 30 grams of alcohol — found in two to three 12-ounce or 355-mL bottles of beer — daily can raise your risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis, a condition characterized by scarring (21, 22).
- Weight gain. A standard 12-ounce (355-mL) beer contains around 153 calories, so consuming multiple drinks can contribute to weight gain (1).
- Cancers. Research associates any alcohol intake with an increased risk of cancers, including throat and mouth cancers (23, 24, 25).
To reduce the risk of negative health consequences, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than one standard drink per day for women and two for men (26).
In the United States, a standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is the amount typically found in 12 ounces (355 mL) of regular beer, 5 ounces (150 mL) of wine, or 1.5 ounces (45 mL) of spirit (27).
Summary
Heavy beer and alcohol intake has several negative effects, including a higher risk of early death, alcohol dependence, depression, liver disease, weight gain, and cancers.
In short, the health effects of drinking beer are mixed.
Though small amounts may be associated with benefits, heavy or binge drinking is associated with negative health effects. These include an increased risk of alcohol use disorder, depression, liver disease, weight gain, cancers, and death.
Keep in mind that even though drinking alcohol may offer some benefits, you can achieve the same positive effects by enjoying a varied nutrient-rich diet of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
Compared with standard beer, light beer contains a similar amount of vitamins and minerals but slightly fewer calories and less alcohol. This makes light beer a better option if you’re deciding between the two.
On a final note, some people wonder if drinking beer after a workout can aid their recovery.
While some evidence shows that drinking a low alcohol beer with electrolytes can improve rehydration, other studies have shown that alcohol can hinder muscle growth and recovery (28, 29, 30).
In addition, it’s more effective to rehydrate by drinking nonalcoholic electrolyte beverages.
Summary
The health benefits of drinking beer are mixed. Though drinking small amounts may be associated with benefits, the beverage is also associated with many harmful side effects.
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage that’s been around for thousands of years.
In the United States, a standard beer is 12 ounces (355 mL). Drinking one or two standard beers per day may have positive effects, such as benefits to your heart, better blood sugar control, stronger bones, and reduced dementia risk.
However, heavy and binge drinking counters these potential health benefits and is instead associated with a higher risk of early death, alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, depression, liver disease, weight gain, and cancers.
Though low to moderate amounts of alcohol may offer some benefits, you can achieve the same positive effects by enjoying a varied nutrient-rich diet of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
Is Beer Good for You? Potential Benefits and Downsides
People around the world have been drinking beer for thousands of years.
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and other flavoring agents. Most types of beer contain 4–6% alcohol, but the beverage can range from 0.5–40%.
Because emerging research has shown that moderate amounts of wine may have health benefits, many people wonder if beer can be good for you.
This article explores the nutrition of beer, as well as its potential benefits and downsides.
Though beer is often viewed as empty calories, it contains some minerals and vitamins.
Below is a nutrition comparison of 12 ounces (355 mL) of standard and light beer (1, 2):
| Standard beer | Light beer | |
| Calories | 153 | 103 |
| Protein | 1.6 grams | 0.9 grams |
| Fat | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Carbs | 13 grams | 6 grams |
| Niacin | 9% of the Daily Value (DV) | 9% of the DV |
| Riboflavin | 7% of the DV | 7% of the DV |
| Choline | 7% of the DV | 6% of the DV |
| Folate | 5% of the DV | 5% of the DV |
| Magnesium | 5% of the DV | 4% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 4% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Selenium | 4% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 3% of the DV | 3% of the DV |
| Pantothenic acid | 3% of the DV | 2% of the DV |
| Alcohol | 13. 9 grams | 11 grams |
In addition, both types contain small amounts of potassium, calcium, thiamine, iron, and zinc. The content of B vitamins and minerals is a result of beer being made from cereal grains and yeast.
Notably, light beer has around two-thirds of the calories of regular beer and slightly less alcohol.
Though beer contains small amounts of micronutrients, it isn’t a good source compared with whole foods like fruits and vegetables. You would need to drink massive amounts of beer to reach your daily nutrient requirements.
Summary
Beer contains a variety of B vitamins and minerals because it’s made from cereal grains and yeast. However, whole foods like fruits and vegetables are a better source. You shouldn’t use beer to reach your daily nutrient needs.
Light to moderate beer intake may be linked to some health benefits.
May benefit your heart
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States (3).
Several studies suggest that light to moderate beer and alcohol intake may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
A 12-week study in 36 adults with overweight found that moderate beer intake — one drink for women, two drinks for men per day — improved the antioxidant properties of HDL (good) cholesterol while also improving the body’s ability to remove cholesterol (4).
A large review stated that low to moderate beer intake — up to one drink per day in women, up to two for men — could lower heart disease risk to a similar extent as wine (5).
However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits are related to light to moderate intake only. On the other hand, heavy alcohol consumption can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke (5).
May improve blood sugar control
Light to moderate alcohol intake may improve blood sugar control, an issue for many people with diabetes.
Several studies have found that light to moderate alcohol intake appears to reduce insulin resistance — a risk factor for diabetes — as well as the overall risk for developing type 2 diabetes (6, 7, 8).
What’s more, a large study in over 70,500 participants associated moderate alcohol intake — 14 drinks per week for men and nine drinks per week for women — with a 43% and 58% lower risk of diabetes for men and women, respectively (9).
However, heavy and binge drinking can counter these benefits and significantly increase the risk of diabetes (8, 10).
It’s also important to note that this potential benefit doesn’t apply to beers and other alcoholic beverages that contain high amounts of sugar.
Other potential benefits
Light to moderate beer intake may be associated with these benefits:
- May aid bone density. Low to moderate beer intake may be linked to stronger bones in men and postmenopausal women (11, 12, 13).
- May lower dementia risk. Light to moderate alcohol intake may lower the risk of dementia. However, heavy alcohol intake can instead increase the risk (14, 15).
Summary
Light to moderate beer intake may be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, stronger bones, and reduced dementia risk.
However, heavy and binge drinking has the opposite effects.Though light to moderate beer intake has potential benefits, heavy intake and binge drinking can be extremely harmful.
Below are some of the negative effects of drinking too much alcohol:
- Increased risk of death. Heavy and binge drinkers have a higher risk of early death than moderate drinkers and nondrinkers (16, 17).
- Alcohol dependence. Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to dependence and alcohol use disorder (18).
- Increased risk of depression. Research suggests heavy and binge drinkers have a significantly higher risk of depression compared with moderate drinkers and nondrinkers (19, 20).
- Liver disease. Research suggests drinking more than 30 grams of alcohol — found in two to three 12-ounce or 355-mL bottles of beer — daily can raise your risk of liver diseases like cirrhosis, a condition characterized by scarring (21, 22).
- Weight gain. A standard 12-ounce (355-mL) beer contains around 153 calories, so consuming multiple drinks can contribute to weight gain (1).
- Cancers. Research associates any alcohol intake with an increased risk of cancers, including throat and mouth cancers (23, 24, 25).
To reduce the risk of negative health consequences, it’s best to limit your intake to no more than one standard drink per day for women and two for men (26).
In the United States, a standard drink contains approximately 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is the amount typically found in 12 ounces (355 mL) of regular beer, 5 ounces (150 mL) of wine, or 1.5 ounces (45 mL) of spirit (27).
Summary
Heavy beer and alcohol intake has several negative effects, including a higher risk of early death, alcohol dependence, depression, liver disease, weight gain, and cancers.
In short, the health effects of drinking beer are mixed.
Though small amounts may be associated with benefits, heavy or binge drinking is associated with negative health effects. These include an increased risk of alcohol use disorder, depression, liver disease, weight gain, cancers, and death.
Keep in mind that even though drinking alcohol may offer some benefits, you can achieve the same positive effects by enjoying a varied nutrient-rich diet of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
Compared with standard beer, light beer contains a similar amount of vitamins and minerals but slightly fewer calories and less alcohol. This makes light beer a better option if you’re deciding between the two.
On a final note, some people wonder if drinking beer after a workout can aid their recovery.
While some evidence shows that drinking a low alcohol beer with electrolytes can improve rehydration, other studies have shown that alcohol can hinder muscle growth and recovery (28, 29, 30).
In addition, it’s more effective to rehydrate by drinking nonalcoholic electrolyte beverages.
Summary
The health benefits of drinking beer are mixed. Though drinking small amounts may be associated with benefits, the beverage is also associated with many harmful side effects.
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage that’s been around for thousands of years.
In the United States, a standard beer is 12 ounces (355 mL). Drinking one or two standard beers per day may have positive effects, such as benefits to your heart, better blood sugar control, stronger bones, and reduced dementia risk.
However, heavy and binge drinking counters these potential health benefits and is instead associated with a higher risk of early death, alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder, depression, liver disease, weight gain, and cancers.
Though low to moderate amounts of alcohol may offer some benefits, you can achieve the same positive effects by enjoying a varied nutrient-rich diet of whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
8 reasons why beer is good for you
Just let’s agree: we tell you about the reasons to drink beer, and you promise that you will drink good beer! This is necessary because all these causes work correctly and only benefit when you drink a natural drink.
Together with the bartenders of the Belgian pub Brussel, we will tell you about the most important properties that quality beer will reward you with. What’s more, they told us which beer is best suited for each reason.
1. Good for the heart
Beer contains a lot of potassium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Moderate consumption will even be beneficial for people with hypertension and ischemic diseases. And thanks to phenolic compounds, the risk of thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes is significantly reduced.
Brussel recommends: Leffe Blond and Orval are classic, not too light, not too strong Belgian ales, so the beer is clear, monastic, rich in nutrients, of high quality and suitable for anyone.
2. Protects against cancer
This is the conclusion scientists from the Japanese National Institute of Radiology came to. In the course of research, they identified xanthohumol, a flavonoid, in the composition of hops, which not only activates the brain, but also suppresses the action of carcinogens.
In simple terms, thanks to the hops contained in beer, the body is less exposed to external factors that provoke the formation of cancerous tumors.
Brussel recommends: Martins Pale Ale and Rochefort 8 as they are rich in hops from the best European varieties.
3. Even cures colds
A bit blasphemous, but you have to drink it warm for that. It should be warmed up to 30-40 degrees, and then taken orally. Heated barley improves blood circulation and reduces joint pain. In Scandinavia, there is even a folk recipe for colds: heat 0.5 unfiltered beer to 50 degrees, add cumin seeds, mustard peas and half a teaspoon of horseradish.
Brussel recommends: Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel and Castiel Barista. These varieties are usually served at higher temperatures. They are quite dense, go well with desserts, so they can be consumed in small quantities. They also keep you warm in cold weather.
4. Get rid of kidney stones
According to research by a group of Finnish scientists led by Dr.
Hirvonen, one glass of beer a day reduces the likelihood of kidney stones by 40%. This is achieved due to the high diuretic properties, which literally crush and wash away all formations. Constantly interrupted to go to the toilet, of course, is unpleasant – but useful.
Brussel recommends: Palm and La Chouf Blond – light drinkable beer will promote the diuretic system, but not harm the body. Caramel notes on the palate are great for summer.
5. Helps with insomnia
No, you don’t need to drink a cistern, after which you are cut off from overloading the body. Half a glass is enough, after which soft relaxation will come. Then you just need to lie down on a soft bed – then Morpheus will do his job. The hypnotic effect is achieved due to the content of nicotinic and folic acids in beer – they relax the muscles.
Brussel recommends: Barbar Bock and Diabolici – a dense strong beer with the addition of natural spices, which contribute to a drowsy effect and are very soothing.
6. Strengthens bones
Due to the high content of silicon, calcium and zinc, beer increases bone density. Because of this, they become less fragile, the risk of diseases such as osteoporosis and osteochondrosis is reduced. Beer also stimulates the production of orthosilic acid, which promotes the growth of connective tissue. This means that problems with the joints should not arise.
Brussel recommends: Tripel Carmelit and Kwak are beers that are high in malt, hops and yeast, which means they have more nutrients like calcium, zinc and flint to help strengthen bones.
7. Increases communication skills
But correct behavior in society also brings considerable benefits. Beer, unlike strong alcohol, allows you to more finely regulate the state of intoxication: it comes on less abruptly, and you can drink beer much more slowly. You feel lighter and less stressed, which allows you to communicate more easily even with strangers.
Brussel recommends: Bourgogne de Fländer and Grimbergen Dübbel are pleasant-tasting beers that are versatile for people of all genders and ages.
In addition, it has a long history, which can help start a conversation.
8. Helps to recover after training
After intense physical activity, the body is very dehydrated. That is why we are so thirsty, but you can quench your thirst not only with water. Scientists from the Spanish University of Granada conducted a study in which students were asked to drink beer or water after training to choose from. A follow-up test showed that the students who chose beer were more effective in rehydrating.
Brussel recommends: Jupiler and Blanche de Brussels is a light and refreshing drinkable beer that will help you relax after a workout or on a hot day.
If all these arguments have awakened in you the desire to urgently drink high-quality and tasty beer, then the Moscow gastronomic pub Brussel will become an oasis of salvation. He specializes in Belgian cuisine, which means natural and healthy beer. In their alcohol list there are about 28 varieties of draft and more than 120 varieties of bottled drink.
Even if you drink 3 types per trip, you will have to visit Brussel more than forty times to try all the beer. That’s it, we don’t delay any longer – it’s time for you to take the most pleasant medicine in the world.
Learn more about gastropub Brussel →
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Why is beer good for people?
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Beer is the favorite drink of millions of people around the world. Whether you drink it for pleasure, to relax, or just to enjoy a cold drink in the heat, beer has a number of benefits that make it good for you. Despite its reputation as a “bad” drink, beer can actually have a positive impact on your health and wellness.
Beer contains nutrients
Beer is made from hops, barley, yeast and water, which are sources of vitamins and minerals. The hops in beer contain flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
The barley in beer is a source of fiber, which aids digestion and reduces the risk of heart disease.
Beer can improve heart health
Studies have shown that moderate beer consumption can reduce the risk of heart disease. That’s because beer contains compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of blood clots. In addition, beer is a source of polyphenols, which are antioxidants that help protect your heart from damage.
Beer may improve bone health
Beer contains silicon, a mineral that promotes bone health. Studies have shown that moderate beer consumption can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, beer is a source of vitamins B6 and B12, which are essential for bone health.
Beer can improve mental health
Beer has been proven to improve mental health and reduce stress. The hops in beer contain compounds that can help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. In addition, beer can boost mood and improve overall well-being by releasing endorphins, which are the body’s natural “pleasure” chemicals.