Beer is a favorite for many people. It's worth knowing that drinking beer in moderation has certain health benefits. Below, I'll introduce some of the benefits of beer.
There are seven benefits of drinking beer:
Maintaining heart health: Numerous studies have shown that moderate drinking, including beer, can reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the number one killer in the United States. In a 2006 study, researchers at 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 compared to abstainers.
Protecting blood vessels: High blood pressure affects about 650,000 Americans. However, in 2007, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that hypertensive men who drank beer in moderation had a reduced risk of both fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Moderate beer consumption also helps prevent blood clots and prevent ischemic stroke.
Reducing the risk of diabetes: Studies show that moderate drinking can also reduce the risk of the biggest killer—coronary heart disease—for diabetics. Research also suggests that a light drinking habit may help protect type 2 diabetics from developing countries. This may be because alcohol increases insulin sensitivity or has anti-inflammatory effects.
Improving cognitive ability: Is beer good for the brain? Research suggests the answer is yes. A report published in the *Journal of the American Heart Association* in 2006 indicated that moderate drinking might give women better cognitive abilities. Similarly, a study published in the *Journal of the American Medical Association* in 2003 found that people over 65 who drank 1 to 6 alcoholic beverages per week had a lower risk of dementia compared to abstainers and heavy drinkers.
Strengthening 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 postmenopausal women. This is reportedly due to the high silicon content in the beverage. However, excessive drinking can significantly increase the chance of fractures.
Maintaining vitality: A review of 50 studies shows 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 to 2 glasses of alcohol a day seem to have the lowest risk of death, possibly because beer plays a role in preventing coronary heart disease and stroke.
Feeling healthier: A study published in the *Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health* found that beer drinkers get sick less often and feel better about themselves than non-drinkers.