Is beer good for you?

3 responses so far ↓

• 1 Cister // Jun 20, 2008

  The beneficial effects of drinking alcohol have been guessed at from the earliest days of humankind.

  Scientists now know that the boiling of water in brewing, the alcohol present in both beer and wine and the natural acidity in both drinks will either kill or reduce the growth of illness-forming bacteria.

  Beer was certainly safer to drink than plain water, from the Middle Ages right through to the Industrial Revolution. Brewers didn't realize it, but in boiling the brew, they'd stumbled on the most fundamental of public health measures.

  Since the beginning of the 20th century, doctors and researchers have sought scientific evidence to understand the association between alcohol and human health. As the studies pile up, we can say something we wouldn't have said twenty years ago: you're better off including alcohol in your diet than not. And beer is a natural choice for the health-conscious 21st century.

  In moderation.

• 2 oikos // Jun 20, 2008

  In small quantities, yes. Small quantities are defined as one portion per day for women, two for men.

  Both beer and red wine are good sources of antioxidents. Beer is rich in B vitamins. Both beer and wine relax you and both are good for the heart and urinary system. Red wine is supposed to help prevent colon and pancreatic cancers.

  BTW, a portion is measured in ounces, not bottles ;=)

• 3 Sprout // Jun 20, 2008

  Drinking good beer (not mass produced, pale watery beer) has many health benefits when consumed in moderation (recommended 1-2 for women, up to 2-3 for men per day).

  Dark malts in some beer are high in antioxidants. The antioxidants in beer are smaller molecules which are even easier absorbed by the body than those in red wine.

  Beer contains vitamin b, proteins & minerals.

  Alcohol in moderation reduces stress and promotes sleep.

  Hops in beer promote mental awareness and fight cancer & viruses.

  Alcohol in moderation improves good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the risk of stroke & cardiac disease.

  http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100197361
  http://www.beertown.org/education/facts.html