There is good news for beer lovers: Scientists have found seven health-promoting properties of beer. So you can raise your glass with a clear conscience. Here’s to that!
1. Beer can increase bone density
Various studies have shown that beer has an increased silicon content. This helps to connect muscle and bone tissue to each other and increase bone density. Dark beer in particular, with its high hop content, contains silicon. So, moderate consumption of dark beer can certainly help prevent osteoporosis.
2. Beer can improve cholesterol levels
Scientists have found that beer consumption contributes to increasing the proportion of healthy HDL cholesterol in the body. Two beers a day can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.
3. Beer can reduce cardiovascular risks
According to Harvard University, more than 100 studies have found an association between moderate beer consumption and reduced risk of heart attack by 25 to 40 percent. So, if you want to do your heart some good, treat yourself to a nice, cold beer with dinner every now and then.
4. Beer can reduce the risk of diabetes
In comparative studies, a relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes was found. American researchers found that of those who drank 1-4 10 oz beers per day, the risk of getting this disease was lower.
5. Beer can prevent kidney stones
You wouldn’t wish kidney stones on your worst enemy. Fortunately, this study found that the probability of getting kidney stones drops to up to 40 percent when you drink a bottle of beer a day.
6. Beer can potentially help fight cancer
German scientists have found that xanthohumol contained in hops can prevent the intake of too much testosterone produced—a major risk factor for prostate cancer. At the same time, they are trying to explore xanthohumol solely and introduce it to cancer research.
7. Beer protects us from dementia
Of course, it sounds strange at first: using alcohol to combat dementia! Anyone who has ever had a blackout is probably now shaking his or her head in disbelief. But the above mentioned xanthohumol can actually also help to prevent oxidative stress. This is one of the factors that promotes dementia in old age. Therefore, beer (of course in moderation) can actually keep the brain fit for its age.
Those of you who are well informed would have already known that good beer not only makes us happy, but also contributes to our health! So let’s raise our glasses to these new research findings!