United Nations of Beer

Health Benefits of Beer

by Dr. Manjunath Nagaraj
(UNOB Beer Doctor)

Health Benefits of Beer
By the UNOB's Beer Doctor, Dr. Manjunath Nagaraj

For many beer-drinking folks, beer is the remedy for many ailments. In this article I would like to shed some light on the health benefits of drinking beer.

However, before going ahead I would like to stress on one important fact: the beneficial effects of drinking beer apply to only healthy individuals who are consuming a moderate amount of beer every day.

Heavy drinking, whether in binges or regularly, is harmful and is associated with many chronic health conditions. Individuals with chronic diseases, smoking habits or increased risk of any diseases should not consume any form of alcohol, as it might aggravate any preexisting conditions.

What is "moderate drinking"?

Moderate drinking has been well defined by Norway's Dr. Erik Skovenborg. According to him, "To drink moderately is to drink within the limits set by your health, the society in which you live and your obligations towards your family and friends: one to three drinks a day for most men". And also, "Women are more sensitive to alcohol, so they are advised to drink less than men: one to two drinks a day."

Some benefits of drinking beer

One of the most important benefits is to your heart's health.

The relation between moderate drinking and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD):

CHD, or in simple terms, heart attack, is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. Until recently it was of the opinion of the scientific community that drinking alcohol in any form was an increased risk of a person suffering form CHD.

Recent research has shown that modification of lifestyle factors and moderate consumption of red wine or beer every day reduces the risk of CHD. Many studies conducted around the world have shown that moderate beer drinkers have a substantially reduced risk of CHD when compared to teetotalers or heavy drinkers.

The following factors have been attributed for the reduced risk of CHD in moderate beer drinkers:

Blood cholesterol levels

High density cholesterol, or HDL, is considered as a good fat because it reduces the risk of thrombus formation, thus reducing CHD. Recent researches have revealed that there is increased production of HDL in the body upon moderate consumption of beer (almost equal to that of red wine), thus decreasing the risk of CHD.

Insulin resistance

Moderate alcohol consumption has been associated with lowered levels of insulin resistance, thus reducing an important risk factor of cardiovascular disease.

Other factors

Though many researchers have claimed that there is decreased clotting power and decreased inflammation in the body after regular consumption of moderate quantity of alcohol, the exact mechanism has yet to be identified.

Other health benefits of beer

Here are some more ways that regular, moderate beer intake could be positive for your health.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

Type II diabetes mellitus has become an important health problem, affecting both developed and underdeveloped countries. Recent studies have shown a decreased prevalence of late onset diabetes in regular moderate drinkers.

Though the exact mechanism is still to be discovered, it is been postulated that the effects of alcohol on insulin sensitivity could be the reason for decreased prevalence of DM in beer drinking population.

Psychotherapeutic value

Recently studies in the field of human psychology have revealed that moderate consumption of alcohol gives a person a sense of well-being, which is very much necessary in today's highly-paced, emotionally stressed lifestyle.

Health benefits of beer: don't forget...

It is important for everybody to understand that these effects are implied only to healthy young adults who consume a moderate quantity of alcohol every day.

It is important to remember the simplest but effect sentences in science: "Anything in excess is poison."

Cheers!