10 Medical Reasons To Drink More Beer (Slideshow)
10 Medical Reasons to Drink More Beer
Believe it or not, some would go as far to say that drinking a beer is more than harmless — some studies have shown that beer is actually good for you. Could it be true?
What would you say if we told you that having a couple of cold ones could help boost your memory? Or, what if drinking a few beers a week could give you stronger bones? There's tons of benefits that come with drinking beer, and though you may be in disbelief — we have the facts to prove it's all true.
Get ready to celebrate National Drink a Beer Day and head to your favorite craft brewery — we've compiled a couple of reasons why drinking beer is actually good for you.
A Decrease of Heart Disease
According to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), studies have linked to a 20 to 40 percent decrease in coronary artery disease in moderate beer drinkers. Take this study with a grain of salt and note that we said moderate drinkers — you can raise a glass to a healthier heart, just don't raise ten.
A Decrease in Kidney Stones
Bottomlinehealth refers to a recent study conducted about beverages of all kinds, and how drinking alcohol can reduce kidney stones. Luckily, the decrease in kidney stones among white wine and beer drinkers were at 33 and 41 percent, with beer coming out at the top of the list. We can't guarantee that grabbing a couple of cold-ones will keep you stone-free, but we can reassure you that beer is on the list of risk reducers.
Beer Boots Your Memory
All of the antioxidant compounds in hops (and beer in general) have the ability to protect your brain cells from oxidation, the loss of electrons. This has been linked to preventing Alzheimer's. Keep in mind, if you have one to many — you may forget more than you remember! Always look for balance when you drink.
Hops Can Help You
Everybody knows there's hops in beer, but do you actually know what it is? The hops used in beer brewing is the flower of the hop plant — a member of the hemp family. This bitter herb contains a prenylated nutrient called xanthohumol — a helpful ingredient that can assist with the anti-inflammatory and anti-infection aspects of the healing process. Order another round and cheers to health!
It Builds Stronger Bones
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says beer contains silicon, vitamin B, and bioactive Polyphenols — all of which have been linked to essential bone growth. Aren't you happy to hear that you can swap out your glass of milk for a refreshing brewsky and still maintain healthy bones?
It Contains Nutrients
CNN recently reported that the hops in beer contains some of the same helpful nutrients found in red wine, dark chocolate, and blueberries. What do all of these random foods and drinks have in common? Oodles of fiber and high density lipoprotein (HDL), of course! In case you don't know what HDL is, it's considered to be the "good cholesterol" we should incorporate into our everyday diets.
It Decreases You Risk of Stroke
Raise a glass, the rumors are true! Harvard Health Publications states that (in regards to alcohol), red wine is a doctor's first recommendation to lessen your chances of a stroke, and beer is a close second. Keep in mind that a standard serving size of one beer is 12 ounces, and to use beer to its full advantage, you have to drink it in moderation.
It Dehydrates You Less Than Other Booze
Have you ever avoided a night out with your buddies because you want to stay hydrated? How no fear, because beer is 93 percent water. If you're looking to avoid a hangover and stay as hydrated as possible, order a beer.
It Reduces Cancer Risk
Xanthohumol strikes again! Along with many other health benefits, xanthohumol has the ability to potentially fight off cancer-causing enzymes. Pour another glass and get your daily dose of this cancer-fighting agent.
It Prevents Blood Clots
Moderate beer drinking can help prevent blood clots from forming in your body. Blood clots can block blood flow to the heart, neck, and brain — so, drink up!