Is beer good for health?

I sat in my childhood home, surrounded by family and the memories of my late father. The walls were adorned with family photos, some faded with the passage of time. A solemn sadness hung in the air until my father’s friend arrived. He was an elderly man, in his eighties, with a successful career as an engineer.

As we gathered around him, he shared stories of his colorful life, but it was his revelation that he only drove a scooter due to his inability to see objects at a distance after a car accident, that stunned us.

As he shared his newfound religious fervor, the atmosphere in the room began to change. He regaled us with tales of his pilgrimage to holy sites such as Shirdi, Dwaraka, and Kashi. He spoke of how he visited Shirdi to give up smoking, Dwaraka to give up rum, and Kashi to give up whiskey. We were completely engrossed in his narrative.

One curious cousin asked why he hadn’t given up alcohol altogether. His response was a grin and a declaration that he still drank beer. “It’s not alcohol,” he explained and went on to describe the chemistry of beer. We laughed and were grateful for the levity amidst our grief.

However, the question of whether the beer was good for one’s health remained. We debated with increasing curiosity as the conversation stretched on into the night. Some argued that beer had several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and promoting bone health. Others believed that beer was still a form of alcohol and carried similar risks and dangers.

The debate left me with unanswered questions. What was the truth about beer? Was it good for your health or not? The mystery lingered in my mind long after the night had passed, prompting me to write this article. So, read on to uncover the facts about beer and its impact on your health.

Studies say drinking beer may have certain health benefits.

Light to moderate consumption of beer may have a positive effect on your health. Beer is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, and osteoporosis. 

Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world which is made by fermenting starches with yeast. It is brewed with hops and other flavoring agents. This popular beverage is well known to contain a large number of nutritive components, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, dietary fiber, and several other nutrients. 

Is beer good for health?

A few weeks ago a couple visited me for a regular check-up and the wife opened up about her husband’s drinking problem. Every day her husband used to indulge in alcohol which was creating troubles in their family life.

As the wife went on complaining, the husband said just one line  –  ‘doctor says beer is good for health!’

The wife looked at me with anger and said – why did you tell my husband that beer is good for health.

Well, I never did. But there are a number of studies that claimed low or moderate consumption of beer can have several health benefits. However, many alcohol addicts miss the keyword ‘moderate’.

The problem with alcohol addiction is that once you become addicted you cannot stop at the recommended levels and excess consumption of alcohol is proven to have a detrimental effect on your health. From liver cirrhosis to cancer, the downsides of alcohol consumption are very scary. 

But if you are a moderate drinker who has full control over consumption then, yes, beer is good for your health!

Health benefits of Beer

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.

Heart disease

A recent article reported that moderate consumption of beer showed higher HDL or “good” cholesterol. Moderate consumption is defined as 1 can of beer containing 330 ml for women and up to 2 cans per day for men.

Neurodegenerative disease

Another study found that low to moderate beer consumption decreased the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia. This is attributed to the hop flowers used to flavor beers which can inhibit the accumulation of amyloid beta proteins associated with AD.

Blood sugar control

Some studies show that drinking a small amount of alcohol may help in controlling blood sugar levels. It may also reduce the risk of developing type-2 diabetes and help people with diabetes control their blood sugar more effectively. 

Osteoporosis

Some research suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may help decrease the risk of osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women. A study found that women who drank beer 2-3 times a week had higher bone density. This can be attributed to the nutritional value of beer.

Longevity

Moderate consumption of beer is also linked to a longer life span. Studies say that beer when drunk in moderation helps in easing temper, relieving stress, and promoting general health.

Caution!

Though some studies claim that beer is good for health, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects of drinking beer. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages is strongly associated with an increased risk of cancer, liver disease, and cardiovascular disease.

Ayurvedic Doctor’s opinion

As a responsible doctor, I cannot in good conscience recommend alcohol to anyone, including beer. Having seen firsthand the destructive effects of alcoholism on countless individuals and their families, I firmly believe that alcoholism is a disease, not a mere habit. Alcohol alters brain chemistry, no matter the percentage of alcohol content in the beverage, and the side effects of beer consumption have been well-documented in numerous studies.

One study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that moderate beer consumption (defined as one to two servings per day) may increase the risk of high blood pressure and abdominal obesity in men.

 Another study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that beer consumption was associated with increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol, but also with increased levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease.

Moreover, excessive beer consumption has been linked to liver disease, depression, and increased risk of certain types of cancer. It is important to note that the definition of “moderate” beer consumption varies widely and may depend on factors such as age, sex, weight, and overall health status.

While there may be some potential health benefits associated with moderate beer consumption, the risks of excessive consumption far outweigh any potential benefits. As a doctor, my primary concern is the health and well-being of my patients, and I cannot in good conscience recommend a substance that carries such significant risks.

In conclusion, the debate over whether the beer is good for one’s health is a complex and ongoing one. While some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption may have potential health benefits, the risks associated with excessive consumption are significant and well-documented. As a responsible doctor, my advice to my patients is to exercise caution and moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption and to prioritize their overall health and well-being above all else.