LOVE KICKING BACK WITH A COLD BREW?
Further, research has linked moderate beer consumption (or no more than one 12-ounce glass of 5-percent alcohol by volume beer a day for women and two glasses a day for men) with heart and bone health, a reduced risk of diabetes and improved psychological and cognitive well-being. Let's raise a glass to the latest nutritional and health benefits of responsible beer consumption:
Beer contains nutrients Beer is 90 percent water and consists of soluble fiber and trace amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, fluoride and silicon. Beer also has a unique antioxidant profile, with a majority coming from the malt and the remainder from the hops.
Beer may boost bone health Dietary silicon, found in beer, is important for the growth and development of bone and connective tissues. One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that moderate drinkers were 38 percent less likely to have osteoporosis than non-drinkers, while another study published in Osteoporosis International found that moderate drinkers had a 20 percent lower risk of hip fractures than non-drinkers. It has been suggested that beer's dietary silicon may be responsible for part of these bone-protecting effects. [See: These Medicines May Cause Bone Loss.]
Beer may improve cholesterol A 2016 study presented at the American Heart Association's scientific sessions looked at 80,000 healthy Chinese adults and found that moderate drinking was associated with a slower decrease in good cholesterol over time. But here's one case where more isn't better: The study also found that heavy drinking eliminated this benefit.
Beer may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes Several studies have linked moderate alcohol consumption with a 30 percent reduced risk of type 2 diabetes compared to not drinking or heavy drinking. Why that seems to be the case, however, is still being studied.
Beer may boost cognitive and psychological health Some Parkinson's disease research suggests that light to moderate drinking in middle to late life is associated with less cognitive decline than not drinking or heavy drinking. Drinking beer in moderation also has psychological benefits. Studies have found it can help reduce stress and tension, and increase feelings of well-being.
