There are plenty of stereotypes out there talking about how “bad” beer is for your health. You’ve undoubtedly heard people use terms like “beer belly” to account for the weight gain the beverage can cause. And, of course, drinking too much of any kind of alcohol can have adverse effects.
But, beer doesn’t have to hold onto that bad reputation when it comes to your health.
Today, there are certain beers available that can actually be beneficial to your health, instead of harmful in any way. Understanding how certain beers can give you a boost is important, as it will allow you to make better choices for your next party, tailgate, or simply when it comes to what to keep in the fridge at home.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best beer for your health, and what you should be drinking.
Light Beers
Light beers have always been associated with being healthier options than their traditional counterparts. But, many light beers tend to get a bad reputation for being “watered down” or not having enough flavor. Small independent brewers and major corporations alike have been working over the years to get rid of those stereotypes to cut down on calories and amp up flavor.
Most light beers have around 100 calories or less, while a traditional standard 12 oz. bottle of beer has about 145, going up with darker stouts, double IPA, barleywines, etc. Light beers are a great option if you’re trying to watch your weight. But, as with any other type of alcohol, it’s important to be aware of how much you’re drinking. It defeats the purpose of drinking a light beer if you’re going to drink a whole case in one evening. Don’t use the “light” phrase as an excuse to drink more. Instead, enjoy the fact that brewers have started focusing on how to make light beers feel richer and more flavorful, and enjoy a drink or two without feeling the guilt (or the weight!).
Beers That Help With Health Conditions
Believe it or not, there are certain beers on the market today that are helpful to people with certain conditions. For example, some beers have gone gluten-free, thanks to the processes brewers use and the types of yeast they use. This means that those dealing with Celiac disease can enjoy a delicious cold one. It’s just about looking at the ingredients.
Other beers, including non-alcoholic varieties, can help with conditions like GERD. Research has found that alcohol, especially that found in beer and wine, can increase acid reflux and contribute to stomach issues in people with GERD. Non-alcoholic beer isn’t what it used to be. Today’s varieties pack a flavorful punch, and you don’t have to worry about any negative after-effects.
Some brewers are going one step further by not only adding healthy ingredients to their beer but putting their money where their mouth is. Dr. Jekyll’s Craft Brewery, for example, has a line of “super health beers” that features ingredients like:
- Acai berry
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Flaxseed oil
- Garlic
So many of the ingredients in these beers are antioxidants that can help to boost your immune system. The brewery also donates a portion of their profits from these beers to organizations like The American Heart Association and American Cancer Society.
If you have a specific health condition or you just want to be healthier with your beer choices, be sure to do your research and understand what certain ingredients can do to your body.
The Benefits of Beer
Whatever type of beer you enjoy drinking, the best thing you can do is to consume it in moderation. That can be said for any type of alcohol. But, because most beers are very drinkable and easy to get down, you may be tempted to have more than one or two in a sitting.
When you slow down with your drinking and take the time to appreciate the taste and nuances of your beer, you can reap some of the health benefits, too.
For example, did you know that moderate consumption of beer has been linked to better cardiovascular health and a reduced risk of heart disease? There are natural antioxidants in most beers that contribute to this. If you choose a beer with additional ingredients, like a brew flavored with raspberries or blueberries, you’ll also get the additional antioxidant benefits from the fruit.
Beer has also been known to boost brain health. That might be shocking to some people who associate beer drinking with drunkenness. But, moderate beer drinking can help with things like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Reduced feelings of stress
- Reduced risk of strokes
Of course, we can’t emphasize enough the importance of drinking moderately. Moderate drinking can reduce the risk of kidney stones, improve your bone density, and lower your risk of type II diabetes. One drink at the end of a stressful day can relax you before bedtime. Drinking too much beer each day can have the opposite health effects. But, if you can enjoy a beer or two a few times a week, there is no reason you can’t be a healthy, fit connoisseur who loves a good brew!
Special thanks to Jori Hamilton for this Great Beer Now guest post! Jori Hamilton is an experienced writer residing in the Northwestern U.S. She covers a wide range of topics but takes a particular interest in covering topics related to business productivity, travel, and entrepreneurship. If she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling and trying new beers. As of now, her favorite beer is Melvin Brewing’s 2×4 DIPA. To learn more about Jori, you can follow her on Twitter.
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