One may not like a beer belly, but it is just not possible to deny that if ever there were a belly which is not entirely hazardous to health it had to be a beer belly. Before I start blabbing about the health benefits of beer in a pompous and bombastic manner as if I had unveiled a lost treasure, it needs to be mentioned anything consumed in plentiful or in an inordinate amount is harmful, and so is beer. Drinking beer (or any alcoholic beverage for that matter) in an excessive amount may eventually lead to liver and/or kidney dysfunction. Short term effects of consuming beer in plentitude include lost mental awareness and lowered visual acuity which together makes driving after beer intake not only hazardous but also fatal. Long term effects include weight gain as one glass of beer may contain anything between 150 to 450 calories depending on the brand. Also, consumption of beer by pregnant women can prove to be fatal for the unborn child who may get poisoned by the beer which it can receive through the umbilical chord.

Besides the above mentioned hazards, beer is not such a bad drink to consume. In fact, latest research shows that splurging on beer may actually protect your heart from strokes and your arteries from hardening. Studies suggest that drinkers have less fibrinogen, a protein that stimulates heart strokes.

Beer is also a rich source of magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, protein as well as vitamins B, B2 and B6. In fact beer increases vitamin B6 content in the human body by 30% while wine and gin does so only by 15%. Beer is basically water brewed and mixed with a little alcohol. Both the brewing and the alcohol kill bacteria present in water.

Besides its cardiovascular and anti-cancer effects, beer is also said to be beneficial to senile people in more than one ways. Firstly, beer if consumed in a moderate quantity is believed to prevent mental impairment of elderly women. Secondly, it aids in maintain mineral density of bones which have a tendency to become thinner with age. Thirdly, it promotes urination, blood circulation and blood vessel dilation all of which are common problems of the elderly. Lastly beer acts as a soporific agent and induces sleep.

As mentioned earlier, beer can be a blessing if consumed in a moderate amount. The key here is the quantity of beer one decides to take into their body.

Beer is an alcoholic drink, but that alone does not make it a danger to your health. Only extreme consumption leads to hangovers, headaches & eventually more harsh health problems. A moderate consumption of beer has no negative impact on your health.

With that in mind, let us see some of the points favoring beer consumption & their counterpoints:

Beer Contains no Fat, but It Does Cause the “Beer Belly”

You have heard that beer makes people fat – the “beer belly” is a famous expression all around the world. Well, actually, beer itself contains no fat & there are plenty of beer diets you can seek to get thin (beer diets aren’t based on calorie calculation). So what precisely causes the beer belly? Excessive drinking of beer means extreme consumption of alcohol. Alcohol can reduce the body’s capacity to burn fat. And you have heard people saying that consuming a glass of beer equals eating a piece of bread. The “liquid bread”, they say. That is right, as beer contains alcohol & alcohol contains “calories”. Beer Is Low in Sugar, but Can Cause Your Sugar Levels to Drop

The low levels of sugar in beer are a positive aspect. But beer contains alcohol & alcohol will cause the natural sugar levels in your blood to drop, leading to fatigue & a low energy level. Too much beer & you can go straight to bed. On the contrary, alcohol lowers level of insulin. That makes beer perfect for non-diabetics, as it reduces the chances of developing arteriosclerosis.

Beer May Help to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Because it contains no cholesterol & it contains polyphenols with anti-oxidant qualities that’ll reduce the “dreadful cholesterol”, also known as cholesterol LDL oxidation, beer can reduce the danger of heart diseases. Drinking beer also help in relieving stress. That’s good news. But again: sensible consumption! Not more than 1 beer per day for women & 2 for men & definitely not every day! Alcohol also acts as a blood thinner, thus not only your heart is protected, but the risk of stroke is also diminished.

Beer Is Very Nutritious, but It Can Destroy Vitamin C

So far we know that beer is a great source of fiber. It also contains considerable amounts of minerals – potassium, magnesium, phosphorus & plenty of B vitamins: B2 (riboflavin), B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B12 inotisol & B9 (folate). But, alcohol destroys vitamin C.

Beer is 98% Water, but Still a Diuretic

Although 98% water, beer is a diuretic as it contains alcohol. That means you should not drink too much & never replace water with beer. To avoid headaches & hangovers caused by dehydration you should always have a glass of water between each glass of alcohol you drink.

Keep in Mind Excessive Consumption of Alcohol is Harmful for Your Family & Beloved ones!

Cheers!