Mega Bored
Feeling guilty about drinking a frothy mug of beer? Don’t be! Contrary to popular notion, consuming moderate amounts of beer is actually good for the health! Studies show that beer has a lot of health benefits! In today’s post, we are listing down some of the unexpected health benefits of beer:
Strengthens the Heart
That’s right, occasionally downing on beer is good for the heart! Beer is loaded with antioxidants phenols. Phenols neutralize free radical stress, keeping the heart healthy. Studies show that phenols reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
According to a study conducted by Italy’s Fondazion di Ricerca e Cura, participants who drank a pint of beer daily reduced their risk of developing heart disease by a whopping 31%. However, the same study noted that excessive beer drinking could lead to the development of heart disease.
Protects from Alzheimer’s Disease
Apart from keeping the heart young, beer also keeps the brain young! Beer contains silicone, which neutralizes the effects of aluminum in the body. Studies show that high levels of aluminum are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine reviewed various forms of dementia and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s. They found a link between beer drinking and reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Lowers the Risk of Diabetes
Did you know the alcohol content of beer is actually good for the body? Alcohol helps boost insulin sensitivity, preventing diabetes. Beer is also an excellent source of soluble fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. A study by Harvard scientists noted that middle-aged men who drank one or two bottles of beer daily reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to 25%.
Protects from Kidney Stones
A Finnish study found that drinking beer reduces the risk of developing kidney stone by a whopping 40%! Beer is high in water so it flushes away harmful compounds that accumulate in the kidneys. The water content of beer also stimulates the kidneys, preventing salt crystals from forming within the organ. In addition, the hops in beer slow down the release of calcium from the bones, which reduces the risk of calcium buildup in the kidneys.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
Who knew beer drinking helps prevent cancer? Beer is high in antioxidant xanthohumol. Xanthohumol prevents the progression of cancer by neutralizing cancer-causing enzymes in the body. Studies show that moderate beer drinking reduces the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women!
Regulates Cholesterol
Beer has barley, which contains soluble fiber called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans helps prevent heart disease by reducing the cholesterol in the blood. Soluble fiber also eliminates fatty plaques in the arterial wall, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Apart from reducing bad cholesterol in the body, beer also regulates blood pressure. A Harvard study found that women ages 25 to 40 who drank moderate amounts of beer are less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women who drank wine or other alcoholic drinks.
