“Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links.”
When it comes to alcoholic drinks with health benefits, it’s usually red wine that gets all the attention. But what about the health benefits of beer? Humans have been drinking beer in some form since the Stone Age. It can’t be all bad for us, right?
Some research has shown that moderate beer drinking can improve heart health, specifically by boosting the good cholesterol in the blood, explains Destini Moody, R.D., the founder of The Athlete’s Dietitian and an expert on the panel of Garage Gym Reviews. (Moderate beer consumption, by the way, is defined as one beer a day for women and two beers a day for men.)
But it’s a careful balance, because drinking more than “moderately” negates these health benefits and can expose you to the negative effects of alcohol, Moody says, including risk of cancer, fat gain, and liver disease.
Curious if it’s healthy to crack open a can of beer every night with dinner or pour yourself a pint after work? Here’s what registered dietitians have to say about the health benefits and drawbacks of beer.
Is It Healthy To Drink A Beer Every Day?
Drinking a beer daily can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but moderation is key, says dietitian René Ficek, R.D. and owner of Seattle Sutton’s Healthy Eating.
For most adults, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men.
“Consuming beer in moderation can fit into a healthy diet, but daily consumption isn’t recommended for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that interact with alcohol,” Ficek says.
Moody says she wouldn’t go so far as to say a daily beer is healthy. While there’s some research showing moderate beer drinking has some health benefits, it’s not exactly a healthy habit especially when you consider that alcohol doesn’t have any nutritional value.
“So, though drinking a beer daily may not be inherently harmful to your health, it’s not going to do much to improve it that a few extra veggies can’t accomplish,” she says.
Are There Any Health Benefits of Beer?
Beer, especially certain types like darker ales and stouts, can offer some benefits, Ficek says.
That’s because it contains antioxidants like polyphenols, primarily from hops and grains, which may help protect against heart disease, she explains. Beer also has small amounts of B vitamins, minerals (like magnesium and potassium), and dietary silicon, which is linked to bone health.
What Are The Health Concerns With Drinking A Daily Beer?
Regularly consuming beer can increase your risk of several health issues, according to dietitians.
Over time, even moderate alcohol intake may lead to an increased risk of certain cancers (such as breast and colorectal cancer), high blood pressure, and weight gain due to the extra calories, Ficek says. Daily drinking can also interfere with sleep and can contribute to dehydration if you’re not drinking enough water.
Of course, alcohol dependency can also become a concern if you’re struggling to limit the number of alcoholic beverages you’re drinking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What Types of Beer Are The Healthiest?
Beers with lower alcohol content and less added sugars are generally better choices, Ficek says.
Light beers tend to have fewer calories and less alcohol, reducing the potential negative health impacts. Beers brewed with minimal additives and more natural ingredients may also be slightly healthier, she says.
Craft beers with more natural brewing processes and higher levels of polyphenols, like certain ales and stouts, could offer slight antioxidant benefits.
One more thing to keep in mind: Research conducted on the potential health benefits of alcohol were conducted on drinks with an ABV of 5% or lower, Moody points out, and some beers have a higher ABV.
“Considering the negative and inflammatory impact of alcohol on the body’s systems as a whole, it makes sense that those with a lower alcohol content are less harmful than stronger beers,” she says.
Are There Any Benefits To Drinking Beer After Exercising?
A lot of marathoners will crack open a can of beer at the end of a race, and hikers will enjoy a cold one at the summit. But are there any benefits to drinking beer after a workout?
After intense exercise, the primary focus should be on rehydration, replenishing electrolytes, and consuming protein and carbohydrates to support recovery, Ficek says.
“While a cold beer may be enjoyable, it’s not the most effective recovery drink,” she says. “Beer is a diuretic, which can contribute to dehydration.”
In moderation, a post-workout beer can offer a small amount of carbohydrates and even some antioxidants, she says, but be sure to balance your brew with proper hydration and a recovery meal.
You Might Also Like
Source Agencies
