It usually doesn’t matter what time of day it is, a cold brew is almost always welcome. If you don’t partake, then good for you, but if you do enjoy your beer, then chances are, you’ve wondered just how much damage you’re actually doing to your body. Well, I’m here to tell you that unless you’re knocking that golden goodness back at the speed of light, a beer a day isn’t just healthy, it’s actually doing you a favour! Drink a beer and appreciate the finer things in life, like the fact that India actually sells a beer called Godfather.
Here are some scientifically proven health benefits of beer on the human body. Rejoice!
1. Wheat beer reduces muscle inflammation
Polyphenols are an antioxidant chemical found in many plants and fruits. Present in beer, Polyphenols have antiviral properties, help regulate the immune system, and they help to down-regulate genes that are related to turning on inflammation and stress.
2. It helps fight respiratory illnesses
According to a study on marathon runners, beer drinkers are three times less likely to experience upper respiratory infection.
3. Beer makes you live longer
According to Virginia Tech scientists, moderate beer drinkers are 19% less likely to die young. This is due to lower rates of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
4. Beer could help prevent some cancers
A flavonoid compound called Xanthohumol, found in hops, helps prevent cancer. Tests on rats wiped out some tumours and also helped prevent abnormal cell growth.
5. Beer helps your digestive system
It helps in the stimulation of gastric acid and pancreatic enzymes, and basically aids digestion and tummy troubles. Belgian beer helps gut problems… they always get things right!
6. Beer helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay
This study by UK researchers published a report that proved beer was highly effective in wiping out Biofilm. Biofilms is the destructive slime that forms on your teeth if you haven’t brushed in a while.
7. Beer prevents kidney stones
According to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, moderate beer drinkers are 41% less likely to get kidney stones. Drink up, otherwise you’ll have to pee out those stones!
8. Beer protects against certain brain diseases
A compound used to flavour beer, and that has a name that no drunk person can pronounce, also protects the brain from degenerative brain problems like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Just drink it before you forget!
9. Beer strengthens your bones
According to a study in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, beer is rich in dietary silicon, which helps in building bone density. Plus you can piss off your doctor at the next x-ray.
10. Beer helps prevent cardiovascular disease
Vitamin B6, present in beer, helps prevent the build-up of homocysteine, which is this thing in your body that causes arteries to block up. So you can literally drink your heart out (kidding, always in moderation)
So, cheers to that!
