 Beer and health |
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by CBMC Beer is made from wholesome ingredients: malt, hops, yeast and water. All these materials have natural components which contribute to a healthy, balanced diet Beer is 93% water and is an enjoyable means of taking this essential substance. Beer is a thirst quenching long drink which is relatively low in alcohol. Beer can be part of a balanced diet, providing essential vitamins ano minerals . In particular it has a beneficial balance of minerals. It is high in potassium and low in sodium - the right balance for healthy (low) blood pressure It is low in calcium and rich in magnesiuni which may help to protect against gallstones and kidney stone formation. Additionally hops contain active compounds which prevent the removal of calcium from bones. This may be one reason why daily consumption of beer (a 330m1 bottle of 4.5% abv (12g alcohol)) has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones by 40%. Beer drinkers are protected from the organism (Helicobacter pyori) which is known to cause stomach ulcers and may be a risk factor for stomach cancer. Beer is also a source of soluble fibre which is derived from the cell walls of malted barley . A litre of beer contains an average of 20% of the recommended daily intake of fibre and some beers can provide up to 60%. As well as aiding a healthy bowel function, this has a further benefit by slowing down the digestion and absorption of food and reducing cholesterol levels which may help to reduce the risk of heart disease Potential benefits of beer Beer is an excellent source of vitamins which are essential for life. In particular beer is rich in the B vitamins for example niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine (B6) and folate. Recent research suggests that vitamin B6 in beer gives beer drinkers additional protection against cardiovascular disease compared to drinkers of wine or spirits Folate has been shown to be protective against cardiovascular disease and some cancers Beer is also a source of antioxidants which play a role in the fight against cancer. We hear a great deal about the presence of these in wine. What is less well known is that they are also present in beer, where they come from both malt and hops. Per drink (of equivalent alcohol content), beer contains more than twice as many antioxidants as white wine, although only half the amount in red wine . However, many of the antioxidants in red wine are large molecules and may be less readily absorbed by the body than the smaller molecules found in beer. Additionally research has shown that the antioxidant material in beer is more readily available to the body than from solid foods Research has shown that the antioxidants (flavonoids) in hops, have the potential to help fight cancer including cancers of the gastrointestinal tract , breast cancer and thyroid cancer Natural hop compounds have also been shown to be cardioprotective and preventative against osteoporosis. |
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| LINKS
For in-depth information, please visit the AIM-Gateway site at www.aim-digest.com/gateway/ |
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