Posted on 01/19/2015 12:16:36 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
When it comes to beverages with benefits, wine always seems to get the credit. If you're a brew lover, that might make you want to cry in your beer. But before you do, you'll be glad to learn that, like wine, beer delivers some decided perks as well.
"A cold beer is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day, it tastes great and, in moderation, it can even be good for you," says Ethan A. Bergman, PhD, RD, CD, FADA, past president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Here are five ways your favorite brew can enhance your health.
It's Heart Smart
While wine gets all the glory for its heart-healthy benefits, beer consumption may have a similar effect, according to a 2012 study in the European Journal of Epidemiology. Italian researchers reviewed 12 studies that separated wine and beer consumption, and found that moderate drinkers (about one pint per day) had a 42 percent lower risk of heart disease than non-drinkers. The comparable protective benefits to wine could be because both contain polyphenols, shown to have antioxidant properties that may help your heart, the researchers write. No benefits were found for other alcoholic spirits.
It's Kind to Your Kidneys
That brewski may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, according to an article in the Winter 2011 issue of ADA Times. Researchers found that beer lowered the risk of kidney stones in men compared to other alcoholic beverages, possibly due to its high water content and diuretic effect. Compounds in hops may also slow the release of calcium from bone that is implicated in kidney stones.
It's a Surprising Source of Fiber
Who knew that beer contains fiber? Made from barley, beer contains beta-glucans — a type of soluble fiber credited with lowering cholesterol levels. A 12-ounce bottle of lager sports 0.75 grams of fiber while the same amount of dark beer boasts 1.3 grams. Don’t get too excited: The recommended daily amount of fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. After age 50, your daily fiber needs drops to 21 grams for women and 30 grams for men.
It Provides Brain-Boosting B Vitamins
That cold one has another hidden health benefit: One 12-ounce beer supplies 3 percent of the daily recommendation for vitamin B12, which plays a key role in brain and nervous system functioning, as well as blood formation. It’s also a source of folate, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6. However, the alcohol likely trumps any of the B vitamin benefits, though. In fact, a 2011 study in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found alcohol dulls brain signals responsible for self-control.
You'll Strengthen Your Skeleton
While heavy drinking can weaken bones, a beer or two may make them stronger. Beer is rich in silicon, an element found in few foods and drinks, which has been linked to stronger bones. In a Tufts University study, men who drank between one to two beers a day had hip bone densities three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half times greater than teetotalers.
While these benefits sound great, it’s important not to read them with beer goggles on. Moderation is the key word here. Typical recommendations for beer and wine consumption are no more than one drink a day for women and two for men, but are heavily reliant on age, gender, genetics and body type. That means science won’t back up your decision to knock back an entire six-pack and you shouldn’t start drinking just for the health benefits.
That is amazing! I've been talking about that. As far as all the books say, should be ready sometime around October. BUT...I want to wait longer, and most likely will, at least with one bottle. I want to know how it ages!
I can't wait! I think my severe lack of patience in general is one roadblock I have with this endeavor.
“The down side of beer is that hops are not good for male sexual potency.”
So it makes us less easily manipulated by women?
Don’t see the problem here.
It also makes you ten feet tall and bullet proof.
Actually, I can think of a hell of a lot more than five.
I’m going to live forever!
There are other reasons, as we all learned from "Animal House."
It made Bud Weiser (old one, I know:-)
Beer ping
I head Joey Brown say many years ago,
“I’m sorry for people who don’t drink. They know when they get up in the morning, it’s the best they’re going to feel all day.”
If Deano said it, he stole it. He did have good taste as a joke theif, though; and a smile in his singing voice.
Beer ping.
Don't affect me none.
I'm a firm believer that a beer a day is healthy. With that in mind, I am already set to live a healthy life until some time in 2052.
In a Tufts University study, men who drank between one to two beers a day had hip bone densities three-and-a-half to four-and-a-half times greater than teetotalers.
Okay, I want to see the actual numbers. That’s getting into miracle territory.
It’s late enough, I don’t have to worry about that! The Hoppier the better!!!!
Right next to “AA is for Quitters”?
One of my favorite weird coincidences stories...
A local radio wizard (Tom Mischke) once started his show with this quote from Benjamin Franklin— his mother having just relayed it to him— and at the very same time I heard it, I was in my darkroom printing photographs of a Franklin impersonator!
I’ve often called Mr. Franklin the world’s first superstar.
Something like that with a high original specific gravity (ie, future high ABV) should have a few dated and cellared, if for no other reason than to see how well it will keep. Though I mostly keg, if I bottle some ‘big’ beers to cellar i like to bottle a few in small bottles (6 oz or so) so they can be sampled over time. If you taste them going sideways you can invite friends over for a party!
There’s a Beer ping? I thought that got retired. If there is a beer list, please add me.
I’m not on the beer ping list — I didn’t know one existed — but I pinged a master home-brewer here at FR.
Do be sure to let them carbonate long enough I the bottle. 2 weeks minimum. Your patience will be rewarded.
Have fun!
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