Unlike soft drinks, which receive the majority of their calories from sugar, beer gets its calories from alcohol content. Although light beers are generally lower in carbohydrates and calories than darker beers, there are comparable quantities of the malt sugar known as maltose in both types of beer. Limit your alcohol servings to a responsible level.
Light Beer Brewing
According to the Beer Advocate website, many breweries add enzymes derived from fungi to help break down unfermentable dextrins in the beer. As a result, some manufacturers must then dilute the beer with water in order to achieve a higher gravity, or measure of sugar in the beer. As these dextrins are stripped down, much of the malt flavor and aroma of the beer is removed, resulting in a beverage that is lower in calories and carbohydrates.
Sugars in Light Beer
As the grains used in brewing the beer begin to germinate, the sugar called maltose begins to form. This sugar as the least common disaccharide found in nature, owing its creation primarily to beer production and corn syrup, according to Charles E. Ophardt in The Virtual Chembook. Individuals who are diabetic or who have unstable blood sugar levels are at a high risk from drinking alcohol due to the prominence of maltose in the beverage. Light beers that also contain artificial sweeteners and liquid sugars, such as sucrose or stevia, may contain higher levels of sugar than unsweetened light beers.
Blood Sugar
Even if your light beer does not list any added sugars on the ingredients label, the maltose content may cause problems with your blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia for up to 12 hours after drinking. Individuals with blood glucose levels lower than 100 mg/dL are always advised to eat before drinking to prevent a negative reaction to the alcohol. Unfortunately, the sleepiness, dizziness and disorientation symptoms that accompany heavy drinking also mirror those of hypoglycemia, and some people may be unaware that their blood sugar is reacting badly.
Safety Concerns
If you have diabetes or hypoglycemia, always play it safe. Wear an medical I.D. that identifies your condition, and monitor your blood sugar regularly. If you are concerned about how your body will react to the sugars of a light beer, talk to your doctor about safe drinking habits for your condition.
Member Comments