Contrary to what you might think, moderate beer consumption is actually good for you. Science has shown that beer can bring many surprising health benefits even though it’s usually perceived as unhealthy. Here are some remarkable and surprising beer benefits that might change your perception of the drink.
1. Helps minimize the risk of cancer
Xanthohumol, an antioxidant found in beer, is known to have powerful anti-cancer properties that help fight against and ward off cancer-causing enzymes in the body.
Moderate beer consumption helps prevent a certain chemical reaction that can lead to prostate cancer in men while the beer has also been proved to reduce the chances of getting breast cancer in women.
2. It can help reduce cholesterol levels
Moderate beer consumption may just be that unorthodox solution to cutting down your cholesterol level, that you may have been looking for. It is believed that the barley used in brewing of beer contains a type of soluble fibre known as beta-glucans which has been shown to help to lower cholesterol levels.
3. It can help strengthen bones
There is no magic to this, just some smart reasoning. The beer contains moderate levels of silicon, and the silicon is an element that has been linked to promoting bone health.
A study conducted at Tufts in 2009 established that older individuals who drank one or two glasses of beer daily had higher bone density, and thus were less prone to fractures than those who did not enjoy a glass of beer or wine. However, the study also found that consuming more than two drinks increased risk of bone fractures.
4. It helps lowers risk of diabetes
The beer is a good source of soluble fibre, which is an component in the healthy diet of people suffering from diabetes.
According to a 2011 Harvard study; out of about 38,000 middle-aged men, those who drank one to two beers daily had a 25% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
We should also not forget that, the alcohol content in beer increases insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent diabetes.
5. It can help reduce risk of heart disease
The ability of the beer to cut down the risk of heart disease is as a result of the natural antioxidants found in beer called phenols.
According to a research conducted at Italy’s Fondazion di Ricerca e Cura, it was found out that people who drank a regulated quantity of beer daily had a 31% reduced chance of heart disease.
However, the study also showed that, people who consumed higher amounts of beer have an increased risk of heart diseases.
6. It can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease
According to research carried out at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, where several studies where analyzed, it was concluded that people who drink a moderate quantity of beer were 23% less likely to develop different forms of dementia and cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s.
It is only right for us to say that, one of the most remarkable health benefits of beer is its ability to protect against Alzheimer’s.
This protective power of the beer against the Alzheimer’s disease is as a result of the silicon content in beer, which is believed to protect the brain from the harmful effects of high amounts of aluminum in the body, which are one of the major possible causes of Alzheimer’s.
7. It can help manage blood pressure
According to a Harvard study, women aged 25 to 40 who drank beer moderately were significantly less likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women who drank wine or other alcoholic beverages.
8. It can help prevent kidney stones
A study conducted in Finland established that moderate daily consumption of beer can reduce the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%. This health benefit is attributed to beer’s high water content (about 93%) that helps flush harmful toxins out of the body and keep the kidneys working properly.
9. It can help cut down risk of strokes
According to the American Stroke Association, study have shown that people who drink moderate amounts of beer can cut their risk of strokes by 50% compared to non-drinkers.
Also, Researchers at Harvard School of Public Health explain that moderate amounts of beer daily helps prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain, which is a leading cause of ischemic stroke. However, when you drink beer moderately, your arteries become flexible and blood flow improves significantly.
10. It can help treat dandruff
This is a funny one but yes, it’s true. This health benefit of beer is as a result of its high yeast and vitamin B content levels. Just rinse your hair with a bottle of beer two to three times a week to get rid of dandruff and make your hair extra soft and shiny.
Note: What makes the above mentioned; HEALTH BENEFITS, is the moderation in consumption.
Abuse and over indulgence is harmful to the health.
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