Beer: Is It Good for You?

Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world. Beer recipes can be found in Egyptian tombs, Mesopotamian archeological sites, and Babylonian texts. Today, beer is found in grocery stores and breweries around the world. People are even rediscovering the joy of making beer at home. 

Beer is easy enough to make, after all. It’s the product of fermenting grain into alcohol. It may have even been one of the first inventions after the Agricultural Revolution. 

Beer has been important in human culture for thousands of years. It’s no wonder some people proclaim that it has health benefits. While science can support some of these claims, beer also has drawbacks.

Nutrition Information

One can of beer (about 12 ounces) contains:

• Calories: 153
•  Protein: 2 grams
•  Fat: Less than 1 gram
•  Carbohydrates: 13 grams
•  Fiber: Less than 1 gram
• Sugar: Less than 1 gram

Beer is an excellent source of:

•  Potassium
•  Magnesium
•  Calcium
•  Phosphorus
•  Niacin
•  Folate

Depending on the color, some beers are also good sources of antioxidants. The darker the beer, the more  antioxidants it tends to have. Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body, reducing the risk of chronic conditions and certain forms of cancer.

Potential Health Benefits of Beer

As mentioned, beer is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and some also contain antioxidants. Research supports a number of potential health benefits to drinking moderate amounts of beer:

Lower Risk of Heart Disease  

Several reviews have suggested that consuming one to two beers a day may help lower your risk of heart disease. In fact, beer may be as effective at improving general heart health as wine at comparable alcohol levels.

Increased Bone Strength

Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones for men and postmenopausal women. This may be because alcohol in general, in moderate amounts, can help your bones. But this benefit sharply drops when consumption passes two drinks a day, so moderation is key. Now that you know the benefits of beer, reach out to your nearby liquor store in Avon, CO.