According to a report in the U.S. magazine *Forbes* on March 16, after a decade of valuable health research, experts have found that regular, moderate beer intake—that is, 1-2 12-ounce (350 ml) glasses of beer per day—is beneficial for both men and women, especially if you are facing aging or troubled by the most common diseases. And here are the 7 benefits you've always dreamed of that beer can bring you.
Maintain heart health:
A large number of studies have shown that moderate drinking, including beer, can reduce the risk of heart disease, the number one killer in the United States. In a 2006 study, researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the Harvard School of Public Health found that among men with healthy lifestyles, moderate drinkers had a 40%-60% lower risk of heart attack than abstainers.
Protect blood vessels:
Hypertension affects about 650,000 Americans. But in 2007, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that hypertensive men who drank beer moderately had a reduced risk of both fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Moderate beer drinking also helps prevent blood clots and prevent ischemic stroke.
Lower the risk of diabetes:
Studies show that moderate drinking by diabetic patients can also reduce the risk of the biggest killer—coronary heart disease. Research also suggests that a light drinking habit may help protect type 2 diabetic patients from developing countries. This may be because drinking increases insulin sensitivity or has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Improve cognitive ability:
Is beer good for the brain? Studies show the answer is yes. A report published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* in 2006 indicated that moderate drinking might allow women to gain better cognitive abilities. Similarly, a study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* in 2003 said that people over 65 who drank 1-6 alcoholic beverages per week had a lower risk of dementia compared to abstainers and heavy drinkers.
Strengthen bones:
Studies have shown that beer can play a role in preventing bone loss and rebuilding bone mass in men, but no benefits were found for young women or post-menopausal women. It is said that this may be due to the high silicon content in the beverage. However, excessive drinking can greatly increase the chance of fractures.
Maintain vitality:
A review of 50 studies has shown an inverse relationship between moderate drinking and total mortality. According to a 2005 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, people who drink 1-2 glasses of alcohol per day seem to have the lowest risk of death, possibly because beer plays a role in preventing coronary heart disease and stroke.
Feel healthier:
A study published in the *Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health* showed that people who drink beer get sick less often and feel better about themselves than those who abstain.