Beer Benefits | Beer Benefits For Health
The health benefits of beer include its anticancer properties, a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, and an increased bone density. It helps in the prevention of dementia and coronary diseases, aids the digestive system, has anti-aging properties, as well as treats diabetes, gallstones, kidney stones, osteoporosis, and hypertension. It also acts as a stress buster and a diuretic.
What Is Beer?
Beer is an alcoholic beverage brewed from cereal grains which are responsible for its nutritional values. People usually prefer to drink it with certain meals and it is the third most popular drink preceded by tea and water.
Nutrition Facts
Beer has a greater protein and vitamin B content than wine, while its antioxidant content is equivalent to that of wine. Hops, a major component for brewing this beverage, are rich sources of flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants.
It is a very good source of certain minerals that play essential roles in various metabolic processes. If taken in moderate quantities, it can definitely boost your health in a number of ways.
Beer Health Benefits
Health benefits of beer become prominent if it is consumed in moderate amounts. Some of them include the following:
Protects Heart
Beer contains vitamin B6, which protects against heart diseases by preventing the build-up of a compound called homocysteine. It has a thinning effect on the blood and prevents the formation of clots, which cause blockages in the coronary arteries. Moderate consumption also reduces the risk of inflammation, the root cause of atherosclerosis, which is cholesterol and plaque building up on the blood vessels and artery walls.
Prevents Anemia
Beer is a good source of vitamin B12 and folic acid, a deficiency of which may lead to anemia. Vitamin B12 is also essential for maintaining normal growth, good memory, and concentration.
Increases Bone Density
Moderate intake is shown to increase bone density, thereby preventing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Regular beer drinkers are found to have lower blood pressure, compared to people that consume a similar amount of wine or other spirits.
Controls Diabetes
Studies have linked moderate beer consumption to a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes.
Reduces Risk of Kidney Stones
Beer is high in potassium and magnesium, which results in a reduced risk of kidney stones. The silicon present in it is readily absorbed by the body to protect against osteoporosis.
Improves Digestion
Beer is shown to possess a number of digestive properties, which include the stimulation of gastrin, gastric acid, cholecystokinin, and pancreatic enzymes.
Prevents Dementia
Beer consumption also boosts the level of “good cholesterol” by 10-20%, thus reducing the risk of dementia and cardiovascular diseases.
Diuretic Quality
Beer acts as a diuretic and significantly increases urination. This facilitates the increased removal of toxins and waste materials from the body.
Stress Buster
Like other alcoholic drinks, beer is shown to reduce stress and facilitate sleep.
