When we get together with our friends, at a party, or to unwind after a long day, some people drink beer. So is this beer really good for the body? Some say that drinking a little is okay, that it has benefits. Others say that it is not good at all. So today, let's look at this, that is, the truth or not, the pros and cons of drinking beer, from a medical perspective.
What are the nutrients in a beer?
First, let's look at what beer is. Simply put, beer is a beverage made by fermenting grains into alcohol. It is one of the oldest beverages in the world.
So let's take a look at the nutritional content of a typical can of beer (about 355 ml).
| Nutrient section | Amount contained (by weight ) |
|---|---|
| Calories | About 153 |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 13 grams |
| Fat | Less than 1 gram |
| Fiber | Less than 1 gram |
| Sugar | Less than 1 gram |
In addition to this, beer also contains small amounts of some vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Niacin
- Folate
Another important thing is that some beers are rich in antioxidants . Simply put, these antioxidants are compounds that fight free radicals, which damage cells in our body. This helps reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases. Generally, the darker the color of the beer , the higher the amount of antioxidants it contains.
What are the supposed health benefits of beer?
Okay, now let's look at these health benefits. But as you read this section, you need to keep one thing in mind. All these benefits are only for drinking beer in very limited quantities . That is, one or two beers per day at most.
The most important thing is that it is absolutely unacceptable to start drinking alcohol thinking that it has these benefits. There are many safer ways to get these health benefits.
Can the risk of heart disease be reduced?
Several studies have found that drinking a moderate amount of beer, like one or two a day, can help reduce your risk of heart disease. In fact, some studies suggest that beer may have the same heart health benefits as wine, when compared to alcohol.
Does it help control blood sugar levels?
Some studies show that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 50%. But the most important thing here is the type of beer you drink . This effect is most noticeable in low-sugar beers, such as "light" beers. So, if you're thinking about this benefit, you should also be careful about the type of beer you drink.
Is it true that it strengthens bones?
This is a preliminary study. It suggests that drinking beer in moderation may help strengthen bones in men and postmenopausal women. However, this benefit is completely lost when drinking more than two beers a day , and it becomes a disadvantage. So, again, moderation is key.
But, be sure to be aware of these risks.
Along with some of the benefits of beer, its ingredients can also pose serious health risks. Especially if you drink more than two beers a day, that is, if you drink excessively, all the previously mentioned benefits are lost and all these risks emerge.
| Risk | How it happens and what it means |
|---|---|
| Addiction | Alcohol is an addictive substance. If someone in your family has a history of alcohol addiction, you are at greater risk. Once addicted, beer provides no health benefits, only harm. |
| Shortening of life span | Heavy drinking significantly increases the risk of death from any cause. According to some studies, heavy drinking can shorten life expectancy by up to 28 years. |
| Liver Disease | Drinking more than two beers a day greatly increases the risk of developing serious liver diseases such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis . |
| Weight gain ("beer belly") | Many beers are high in calories. Drinking beer frequently and in large quantities can lead to significant weight gain. This is what we all know as the "beer belly." Research has shown that drinking beer increases your waistline. |
Remember, if you have any concerns or fears about your drinking, don't hesitate to talk to your family doctor about it. It may be the best decision you can make for your future.
Take-Home Message
- Although beer contains some nutrients (vitamins, minerals), it is also high in empty calories.
- Although there is research that suggests that drinking beer in moderation (one or two a day) may *may* have some benefits for the heart, bones, and diabetes risk, that shouldn't be a reason to start drinking beer.
- Drinking too much beer (more than two a day) is very dangerous. It directly leads to addiction, liver disease, weight gain ("beer belly"), and a shortened lifespan.
- The purported health benefits of beer can easily be achieved through safer and more effective methods, such as a balanced diet and exercise.
- If you have any concerns about your drinking habits, it is very important to talk to your doctor about it.
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