Beer does not speed up the metabolism. In fact, drinking beer may be harmful to your weight loss or weight maintenance plans. Alcohol actually slows down the fat burning process. Still, beer in moderation may be part of a healthy diet for most people.
Understanding Metabolism
Your metabolism is a complex set of chemical processes that convert nutrients from food into energy. The units of energy your body uses are calories. The total number of energy calories your body processes a day is called your basal metabolic rate. The higher this number is, the faster your metabolism. This number is important, because it is the amount of calories you can eat per day to maintain your weight. Adding or subtracting from this number will cause weight gain or loss. Many things influence the number of energy your body processes, but the most significant factors are largely out of your control, such as gender, height, age, metabolic syndromes and body composition.
Beer's Nutritional Profile
The alcohol itself in beer does not contain any carbohydrates, protein or sugar. Light beers can save you calories and may have a lower alcoholic content. A regular beer can contain around 13 g of carbohydrates and anywhere from 100 to 200 calories per 12 oz. serving. A light beer will contain around 6 g of carbohydrates and around 60 to 110 calories. Low-carb beer varieties may contain 2 g to 3 g of carbs. Beer also contains small amounts of calcium, potassium and protein.
Beer's Effect on Fat
Fat metabolism is your body's rate of burning fat for energy. According to Dr. Del Millers, a nutrition scientist, drinking two alcoholic drinks can reduce your fat metabolism by up to 73 percent. When you drink, your body gets rid of alcohol first. It metabolizes the alcohol -- that is, it uses it for energy. While it is doing this, it does not need to use your energy reserves in the form of fat. Alcohol can also act as an "anti-nutrient" and prevents the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Alcohol and Weight Loss
Alcohol may hinder weight loss for many other reasons. First, alcohol lowers your inhibitions, so if you are drinking while hungry or are easily tempted by fattening foods, drinking may make it harder for you to stay on track. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are empty calories, meaning they can still make you gain weight but will not make you feel full. Additionally, alcohol acts as an appetite stimulant for some people. If you do choose to drink beer, stick to the recommended daily limit, which is one drink for women and two for men.
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