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Health Benefits of Beer, Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Aug 24, 2020

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The health benefits of beer are vast, ranging from prevention of cancer and diabetes, to aiding the digestive system, as well as for treating osteoporosis and hypertension. Beer is very effective in preventing the formation of kidney stones.

Beer is rich in vitamins, which helps prevent anemia, as well as promoting skin and hair health. Consumption of beer on a moderate basis has been proven to drastically reduce cholesterol levels, and keep the heart healthy, as well as prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases.

What is Beer?

One of the most widely consumed alcoholic beverages in the world, beer is brewed from malted barley, and occasionally from wheat and maize.

During the brewing process, fermentation of the starch, sugars in the wort produces ethanol and carbonation in the resulting beer. In commercial brewing, the natural carbonation effect is often removed during processing and replaced with forced carbonation.

Nutritional Value of Beer

Let check out nutritional content of beer, a regular bottle of beer is loaded with around 145 calories and around 11-15 grams of carbs. The water used to make beer is boiled very early on in the brewing process, as a result of which any present pathogens are killed off. The presence of folate in beer helps lower the risk of heart disease when consumed in moderation. Beer also reduces blood clots and it has been shown to improve mental function in women as well as increasing bone density.

Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams

43
Calories
4 mg
Sodium
27 mg
Potassium
3.6 g
Total Carbohydrate
0.5 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

1 %
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Beer

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Read out the numerous benefits of drinking beer, it not only helps in preventing cancer, but also helps in treating dandruff. To get health benefits of beer, need to consume to the right amount otherwise excess consumption of beer can lead to various health issues and side effects which we mentioned below. Today, hundreds of beer brands are available in the market and you can buy them easily. We also discuss the origin and cultivation process of beer which is more interesting.

Beer helps preventing cancer

A flavonoid compound called Xanthohumol is found in the hops commonly used in brewing beer. It has been seen to play a major role in the prevention of cancer, including prostate cancer. Beer also contains polyphenols, which – similar to red wine – are very effective in fighting cancer.

Beer reduces risk of cardiovascular diseases

Beer is rich in Vitamin B6, which helps protect 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 blocks in the coronary arteries. Consumption of beer in moderate amounts also reduces the risk of inflammation, which is the root cause of atherosclerosis.

Beer good for diabetics type 2 patients

Studies have reported that people who drink a moderate amount of beer have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. A moderate intake of beer, combined with exercise and a diet rich in vitamins, can help combat diabetes. Beer significantly reduces blood glucose levels, thus helping patients suffering from diabetes.

Beer prevents Alzheimer’s disease

Perhaps one of the most remarkable health benefits of beer is its ability to protect against Alzheimer’s. Studies have reported that moderate beer drinkers are 23% less likely to develop different forms of dementia and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s. The silicon content in beer is thought to protect the brain from the harmful effects of high amounts of aluminum in the body, which are one of the possible causes of Alzheimer’s.

Beer prevents formation of kidney stones

Moderate daily consumption of beer can greatly reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Beer has a high-water content, which helps flush out harmful toxins from the body, and keeps the kidneys functioning properly. Also, compounds in hops used in brewing help slow the release of calcium from bones, which in turn prevents buildup of lost calcium in the kidney in the form of stones.

Beer helps reduce to cholesterol levels

Moderate consumption of beer is one of the most unorthodox, yet a very effective way of cutting down on your cholesterol levels. The barley used in brewing of beer contains a type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucans that has been shown to help in lowering cholesterol levels.

Beer helps in strengthen bones

Beer contains pretty high amounts of silicone. Silicone is very intricately linked to bone health. People who drink beer in moderate amounts are less prone to fractures owing to a higher bone density, than people who do not drink beer.

Beer shampoo for dandruff

Beer is considered one of the best natural treatments for dandruff. Beer has high levels of yeast and Vitamin B, which makes it very effective against dandruff. Rinsing your hair with beer, or a shampoo that contains beer is enough to get rid of dandruff and make your hair healthy and shiny.

Drinking beer good for 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.

Beer improves skin health

Beer contains vitamin E, which is a very effective antioxidant. Thus, beer helps maintain healthy skin. Studies have also shown that regular consumption of beer in moderate amounts can help slow down the aging process of skin.

Beer cleans gastro-intestinal tract

Beer is a good source of soluble fibers that promote general health. These soluble fibers are good for the heart, and they are also very helpful in cleaning up the digestive tracts.

Uses of Beer

Beer is not only the world’s most-widely consumed alcoholic beverage, it also a huge variety of other uses. Beer is often used to help prevent heart and circulatory diseases, and is also effective in treating congestive heart failure.

Studies have reported that people who drink a moderate amount of beer have a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Beer contains antioxidant compounds as well as vitamins and proteins which help improve skin and hair health. Beer is a great addition to your daily beauty routine, as it contains a variety of acids, enzymes as well as other healthy compounds that are derived from the process of fermentation.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Beer

When consumed in moderation, beer can actually be good for health. However, excessive drinking can have a negative impact on health. Drinking too much beer can adversely affect blood sugar levels. Beer works as a diuretic, so while it may be extremely refreshing to drink on a hot day, drinking in excess can make you lose fluid both through urine and sweat in such situations.

Also, a majority of beer variants found in the market contain malted barley. Barley contains gluten, a type of protein. Some people are allergic to gluten, so you need to double check the compounds present in your beer, in that case.

Beer contains some stimulants that work with gastric acid, which may lead to the onset of gastro-esophageal reflux and result in heartburn.

Cultivation of Beer

Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world. The ancient Egyptians first documented the brewing process on papyrus scrolls around 5,000 B.C. These first beers were brewed with things like dates, pomegranates, and other indigenous herbs. The Egyptians used beer for religious ceremonies, with the Pharaoh directing the brewing schedule and distribution to the masses.

Beer eventually made its way from the Middle East across the Mediterranean to Europe, where it became an integral part of life. Along with Northern European countries like Germany and Belgium, the British Isles too, became a brewing center. Many styles of beer familiar to drinkers today have their roots in Britain; pale ales, porters, and stouts have been brewed in England and Ireland for hundreds of years.

Details of the brewing process depend very much on the type of beer to be produced and can also differ considerably from country to country and even from brewery to brewery.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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