Who doesn’t like to relax with a nice tall glass of cold beer, at the end of a hard or busy day? If you do, we’ve got some welcoming news for you. Did you know that (when consumed in moderation, of course) beer is actually good for you?
Beer is made from barley, hops, yeast, and water and is fat-free, cholesterol-free and contains a significant amount of healthy nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, fiber, selenium, magnesium, B vitamins, biotin, and folic acid.
Several studies have shown that drinking beer is good for your health (again we have to add in moderation) and can even help to fight many diseases.
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On the other hand, drinking too much beer has been linked to heart problems, an increase in the risk of developing certain types of cancer, liver problems, and problems walking, talking, driving, singing, and, most importantly, problems with your spouse. And then work problems. And then you find yourself at certain anonymous meetings…
Anyway, always enjoy beer in moderation, which means a max of one 12-ounce can or bottle of beer per day for women and two for men.
If you would like a dozen good reasons to tell your mother-in-law why you should be able to have a beer after work, keep reading. Most importantly, these are all scientifically proven, so you can have your beer AND feel good about it.
1. Beer Helps Manage Blood Pressure
According to a Harvard study, which involved women between the ages of 25 and 40, researchers found that those who consumed beer in moderation were much less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women who drank other alcoholic beverages, including wine.
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2. Beer Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
In a different Harvard beer study it was found that those who drank beer in moderation decreased the risk of heart disease by as much as 40%. Harokopio University in Athens also reached the same conclusion during their study. This is most likely because the soluble fiber in beer lowers the “bad” cholesterol in the blood. Drinking beer on a regular basis also increases your “good” cholesterol levels, which further lowers “bad” cholesterol, reduces the chances of the arteries becoming hard and helps prevent the thickening of blood. Beer also contains polyphenols, the super heart-healthy antioxidants.
3. Beer Reduces the Risk of Cancer
You got it! Beer contains a potent antioxidant called xanthohumol. This antioxidant has powerful anti-cancer compounds that fight off enzymes in the body that are linked to a higher risk of cancer. Moderate consumption of beer prevents a certain chemical reaction that has been linked to both prostate cancer and breast cancer.
4. Beer Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones
A study from Finland found that those who consume beer in moderation reduce their risk of developing kidney stones by as much as 40%! Since beer is 93% water, it helps to keep the kidneys working properly while they flush out harmful toxins from the urinary system. Though beer is a mild diuretic, it does not lead to dehydration, which is one of the main causes of kidney stones. The hops in beer also slow the release of calcium from the bones, which prevent a buildup of calcium in the kidneys, the building block of most stones, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
CC by Betsy Jons
5. Beer Is a Great Hair Conditioner
You might have heard that beer has long been used as a terrific hair conditioner. Since it is high in both yeast and B vitamins, it is terrific at treating dandruff and can give you super soft, extra shiny locks. Simply rinse your hair with a bottle or can of beer two or more times each week for more manageable hair with no flakes!
6. Beer Lowers Blood Cholesterol
If your doctor has told you that you need to lower your blood cholesterol levels, then indulging in a daily glass of beer only makes sense! The barley in beer contains a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucans, which is known to lower blood cholesterol.
7. Beer Is Good for the Brain
Want more brainpower? Get out the beer! Rush University Medical Center researchers found that beer reduces the risk of memory problems later in life by as much as 23%! It also lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease because moderate beer consumption stimulates the growth of new brain cells. Beer also allows the brain to become more flexible and more attentive, which can improve reasoning power, concentration, and memory. We are talking about moderate consumption, remember, because too much beer does the exact opposite of all the things mentioned here.
8. Beer Reduces the Risk of Diabetes
Numerous studies that have found that drinking beer in moderation can lower the risk of developing diabetes. Beer also increases the body’s sensitivity to insulin due to the alcohol content. In another beer-fueled Harvard study, a big one – involving 38,000 middle-aged men, researchers found that those who drank no more than two beers each day reduced their risk of developing diabetes by about 25%.
9. Beer Hydrates the Skin
Due to the yeast and vitamins in beer, this drink is known to hydrate the skin from the inside out. It also helps to maintain the delicate pH balance of the skin. Even the ancient Egyptians took beer baths to help hydrate their skin and protect it from the scorching heat of the deserts. Beer also flushes toxins from the skin, which will give you a naturally healthy glow. Take a cue from the ancients and add 2 cups of beer to a bath filled with warm water and soak for 20 minutes. Then take a shower to remove your beer fragrance, or be branded an alcoholic.
10. Beer Reduces the Risk of Dementia
Researchers from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine looked at several studies and found that moderate beer drinkers were 23% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other types of cognitive decline. It’s the silicon in beer that is thought to help protect the brain from accumulating a buildup of aluminum. High amounts of aluminum are believed to be one of the causes behind Alzheimer’s disease.
11. Beer Makes Bones Stronger
Containing high levels of silicon, a healthy compound, beer is linked to stronger and healthier bones. Silicon increases bone mineral density, which means a lower risk of bone fractures. Tufts University conducted a study in 2009 that found that older people who drank moderate amounts of beer each day had higher levels of bone density. It’s important to note that drinking large amounts of beer weakens the bones.
12. Beer Prevents Strokes
The American Stroke Association conducted several studies which found that moderate beer consumption reduces the risk of stroke by as much as 50% when compared to those who don’t enjoy beer. As you might imagine, the PHD beer lovers at Harvard School of Public Health also conducted studies, which found that drinking one beer each day prevented blood clots which blocked blood flow to the brain, neck, and heart, reducing the risk of stroke. Beer keeps the arteries flexible, which improves blood flow, as any Harvard researcher and his mother-in-law will tell you.
Keep in mind here that the key to getting all these amazing benefits is moderate consumption. Overindulgence of beer, or any alcoholic drink, is disastrous to your health and social life.
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