10 health benefits of consuming beer

Beer is probably one of the most popular alcoholic drink that people around the globe drink. Read on to know how drinking beer can benefit our health.

Most people relate beer with the dreaded beer belly but you will be surprised to know that this beverage can also benefit our health. Here are the surprising 10 health benefits of consuming beer.

Decreases the risk of the heart problem. Beer lowers the inflammation, controls thinning of blood, and prevents the formation of a clot in the body. All of these problems can block coronary arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. According to research, dark ales and stouts are particularly effective in benefitting heart health.

Increases good cholesterol. Drinking beer can also increase the HDL cholesterol level, which helps to remove the build-up of plaque and bad cholesterol in the arteries.

Strengthen bones. It contains silicon, which is beneficial for the development of bones and many studies also relate beer consumption with an increased bone density.

Boost nutrients. Beer is also a host of various nutrients such as soluble fiber and tiny amounts of iron, magnesium, and potassium, which may depend upon the raw ingredient with which it is made.

Reduces kidney stones. According to a study, drinking a bottle of beer each day can lower the risk of kidney stones by up to 40%.

Reduces the risk of stroke. Beer improves the blood flow that is beneficial in thinning of the blood and prevents the formation of small clots in the arteries of neck, heart, and brain, which reduces the risk of ischemic stroke.

Lowers the risk of diabetes. According to a study at Harvard, moderately increasing the alcohol consumption (or including beer) lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes as it helps to boost the insulin sensitivity.

For eye health. Antioxidants present in beer prevents any mitochondrial damage to the eyes, which may lead to cataract.

For mental health. A few sips of beer can relieve stress as even tasting beer can increase the level of dopamine in the brain, which makes us feel calmer and more relaxed. Beer is also been linked to protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Protects against cancer. Beer contains the flavonoid xanthohumol, which is found in the freshly brewed beer. This antioxidant lowers the risk of prostate and breast cancer.