People all over the world have been drinking beers for thousands of years; there beer is an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops and other flavoring agents.
Most types contains 4/6% alcohol, but it can vary from 0,5 to 40%. In this article we will find out if beer really makes you fat and bloat, its nutritional value and its advantages and disadvantages.
Index
Nutritional values
This drink contains some vitamins and minerals; 350 ml of light and light beer contain:
- Calories: 140
- Protein: 1.3 gr
- Fat: 0 gr
- Niacin: 8% of the RDI (recommended daily value)
- Riboflavin: 7% of the RDI
- Folate: 4% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 4% of the RDI
- Phosphorus and Potassium: 3% of the RDI
- Vitamin B12: 3% of the RDI
- Alcohol: 13,9 gr
The beer also contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, thiamine, iron and zinc. The content of vitamins B in this drink is due to the use of cereals and yeast.
Although it contains small amounts of micronutrients, it is not a good source of them compared to whole foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Potential benefits of beer
The intake of light beer in reasonable doses (no more than 5 small beers per week) may be related to some health benefits:
- It can benefit the heart: the intake of light beer could be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, as it could improve the antioxidant properties of the cholesterol good and the ability to remove bad cholesterol from the body
- Can improve blood sugar control: drinking light beer may reduce stamina insulin, a risk factor for the diabetes, as well as the overall risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Can Help Bone Density: Light beer intake may be related to stronger bones in men and postmenopausal women.
disadvantages
Although drinking light beer can have potential health benefits, drinking too much of this drink and binge drinking can be very harmful:
- Increased risk of death: Alcoholics have a higher risk of premature death than moderate drinkers
- Addiction: Frequent alcohol consumption can lead to addiction and alcohol use disorder
- Increased risk of depression: Alcoholics have a higher risk of depression than moderate drinkers
- Cirrhosis of the liver: drinking more than 3 small beers a day can increase your risk of liver disease such as cirrhosis
- Weight gain: a small beer contains about 150 kcal, so consuming beer regularly can contribute to weight gain
Bottom line: is beer good for health?
The effects of the intake on health are mixed; although small amounts may be associated with benefits, excessive consumption certainly has negative, even serious, effects.
The same beneficial effects can be obtained through a varied and nutrient-rich diet with whole foods, fruits and vegetables; if you really want to indulge in a beer every now and then, better opt for a clear and light one, which has fewer calories and less alcohol.
How often do you indulge in a beer? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our telegram channel