"New York Times" best-selling author Stephen Mansfield recounts the life story of Arthur Guinness, founder of Guinness beer, in his book "The Search for God and Guinness." Mansfield claims Arthur Guinness entered the brewing business to develop a drink that would be healthier than the whiskey or gin the Irish were drinking in the mid-1700's. Guinness and other brewers were successful, because beer does offer several health benefits, including some for your heart.
Heart health
Red wine is usually thought of as a heart-healthy beverage. But it is the ethanol in wine, liquor and beer that protects moderate drinkers from developing atherolsclerosis. Ethanol increases "good," or HDL, cholesterol and decreases "bad," or LDL, cholesterol levels, reported Dr. Susan E. Brien from Calgary University in a study published in the February 2011 issue of the "British Medical Journal." Brien and her colleagues examined 63 studies reporting cardiovascular improvements with alcohol consumption. In addition to increasing "good" cholesterol, alcohol lowered fibrinogen levels, reducing the risk of blood clot formation.
Bone health
Both the dark and light varieties of beer protect bone mineral density and thus decrease the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. Dr. Katherine L. Tucker, associate professor of nutrition at the Friedman School of Nutrition, Science and Policy, claims the protective effect is due to the high content of the mineral silicon. Silicon is needed to deposit calcium and other minerals in the bone matrix. In an April 2009 study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," Tucker and fellow researchers found the protective effect was limited to moderate consumption only. Men and women who drank more than two beers experienced a decline in bone mineral density.
Kidney/Gallbladder health
Beer is made from plant sources such as barley and other cereals, hops and yeast. According to Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, hops is thought to slow the release of calcium from bone, aiding kidney stone formation. Beer is 93 percent water, and Giancoli claims the high water content, coupled with its diuretic effect, may contribute to lower kidney stone risk among moderate drinkers. In addition, beer may decrease gallstone formation. The possible link is due to beer's ability to lower cholesterol levels and reduce bile concentration necessary for the formation of these stones.
Emotional health
Drinking a beer with family or friends is a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The key to reaping emotional benefits from beer is associated with understanding its less-than-desirable physiological effects on the body if consumed in large amounts. Beer, as well as other alcoholic beverages, affects many organs in the body including the central nervous system, stomach, small intestines, liver and brain. People with gout need to avoid beer because it interferes with the elimination of uric acid from the body. Regular overconsumption can also become addictive. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate alcohol consumption as no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. One 12-ounce beer is equivalent to one alcoholic drink. Drink responsively and be well.
References
- "The Search for God and Guinness"; Stephen Mansfield; 2009.
- "British Medical Journal"; Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Biological Markers Associated with Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Interventional Studies; Susan E. Brien PhD, et al.; February 2011
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Effects of Beer, Wine and Liquor Intakes on Bone Mineral Density in Older Men and Women; Katherine L. Tucker, PhD. et al.; April 2009
- "ADA Times"; A Toast to Good Health: Craft Brew Trend Brings Attention to the Benefits of Beer; Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD; Winter 2011
- Mayo Clinic.com; Gout Diet; March 2010
