Beer is a natural alcoholic beverage (not conservative) made from water, barley malt, hops and yeast. It is high in water and low in alcohol (usually 4-6%) and is low in calories, as a glass contains about 100-120 calories. Like wine, moderate beer consumption has a beneficial effect on health, as it is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, trace elements and minerals.

Malt gives beer beyond the distinctive flavor of soluble fiber, which contributes to the good functioning of the gastrointestinal system and to lowering cholesterol levels by protecting against cardiovascular diseases. Two glasses of beer contain about 10% of the recommended fiber intake. Beer yeast also contains probiotics and helps in the development and maintenance of normal bowel flora.

Hops and malt are rich in antioxidants, which protect against the appearance of various cancers and strengthen the immune system. The amount of antioxidants in beer depends on the type of beer, the raw materials (the cereal you use) and the manufacturing process. In addition, hops are rich in isohumulones that appear to be able to protect against obesity and the appearance of type 2 diabetes, improve lipid metabolism and suppress atherosclerosis.

Yeast yeast and barley are also rich in B complex vitamins, such as niacin (B3), riboflamine (B2), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12). Folic acid helps keep homocysteine ​​levels low, which protects against cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that while alcohol consumption leads to an increase in homocysteine ​​levels, moderate beer consumption not only does not increase but reduces it, probably because of its folic acid content and vitamins B6 and B12. In addition, beer has a high potassium, calcium and magnesium content and low sodium content, protecting against osteoporosis and stone formation in the bile and kidneys. Its high water content and diuretic action also seem to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Moderate beer consumption protects against the onset of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a pathological condition in which central obesity, hypertension, elevated triglyceride levels, elevated blood glucose levels and insulin resistance coexist, increasing the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A 2004 study showed that those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol (wine, beer) were less likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who did not drink any alcohol. This study showed that mild to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with the appearance of better blood lipid and blood glucose levels as well as a normal waist circumference.

In particular, mild consumption of beer seems to:

It reduces total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol
Protects against cardiovascular diseases
Reduces the likelihood of diabetes
It helps against osteoporosis
Contributes to arthritis and rheumatism
It contributes to the good functioning of the gastrointestinal tract
It helps to restore and maintain the intestinal flora

All the benefits offered by mild beer consumption are canceled in case of abuse due to increased alcohol intake. For this reason we should not exceed 1 to 2 glasses.

The myth of the beer …

One of the oldest myths that has now been broken is the association of beer consumption with weight gain, especially in the abdomen area, the so-called beer. In fact, beer is from light drinks, providing fewer calories than heavy alcohol, even wine. The problem is that it almost never comes alone, but it is usually accompanied by salty snacks such as salted nuts and potato chips, which lead to fluid retention and a slight, temporary, bloating in the abdomen. Of course, if overconsumption occurs, increased calorie intake will lead to weight gain and possibly other health problems associated with increased alcohol intake and alcoholism.

Gazis P. Giorgos Dietitian – Nutritionist
Frightened 9 Lefkada, tel. 2645022822, 694437386