Your ancestors drank beer. The Sumerians in the cradle of civilization brewed beer as many as 5,000 years ago, according to the History Channel. They even had a goddess of beer, Ninkasi. Our forefathers were wise to make a good brew. Beer can be surprisingly healthy.
However, remember the key to good health is moderation. Binge drinking on a Friday night will do way more damage, and it would be unwise to justify poor habits with false science. However, as you’ll see below, a pint a day could do some good:
1. Heart health.
WebMD reports a study of more than 1.9 million British adults, which found that people who are in the habit of drinking a total of 7 pints over the course of one week have a lower risk of heart attack, heart failure and sudden heart death, compared with nondrinkers.
2. Reduce risk of stroke.
The same study discussed on WebMD found occasional beer drinkers had a 12 percent decreased risk of ischemic stroke, compared with nondrinkers. On the flip side, heavy drinkers have a 33 percent increased risk of ischemic stroke.
3. Increase creativity.
Hunter Thompson, James Joyce and Ernest Hemingway were all as famous for their drinking habits as they were for their writing acumen. According to a study reported by Men’s Health, people with a blood alcohol level of 0.075 were faster verbal puzzle solvers than their sober competitors.
4. Reduce risk of kidney stones.
Men’s Health reports a Finnish study found a beer a day lowers the risk of developing kidney stones by an astounding 40 percent.
5. Post-workout recovery.
Beer Yoga is the latest fitness craze sweeping the globe, according to the BBC. According to Men’s Health, the idea isn’t as crazy as it sounds. Apparently, rehydrating an overheated body with beer is more effective than lowly water.
6. Prevent cataracts.
If you’re at risk for cataracts, follow the advice of Men’s Health, and drink a beer a day. The antioxidants may prevent cataracts from developing. However, be wary not to have more than 3 drinks a day. Doing so can have adverse affects on the eyes.
7. Lower blood pressure.
If you have a choice between beer, wine or a cocktail, choose beer. Men’s Health says a Harvard study found beer drinkers are less likely to develop high blood pressure than are wine and liquor drinkers.
8. Nourish.
Beer actually has nutrients. US News says beer contains soluble fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium, among other vitamins and minerals. While it’s not a significant source of nutrition and should not replace foods in your regular diet, you can drink a beer knowing you’re delivering nutrients to your body.
9. Bone health.
US News explains that beer contains dietary silicon, which protects bones and connective tissue. One study even found that moderate drinkers were 38 percent less likely to have osteoporosis than were nondrinkers.
10. Improve cholesterol.
The American Heart Association published a study last year that found moderate drinking helps slow the decrease of good cholesterol, according to US News.
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