Is Beer A Super-food Health Drink?

I think it depends which doctor you go to. Here are two recent research reports … I go with number two!

1. A single alcoholic drink per day could put health at risk: Research published by the British Medical Journal has suggested that a single alcoholic drink per day could be enough to increase the risk of heart disease. Previous studies had suggested that between 12 to 25 units a week could be good for the heart and could reduce the risk of problems. The BMJ concluded (at least in this study), that its findings simplified the approach to alcohol in that it concluded that no level of consumption was actually beneficial.
2.  But another, rather unlikely low-sugar beverage is increasingly being hailed for its health benefits – beer! Research suggests it can help protect against Alzheimer’s disease, aid weight loss and even balance hormones – and now it’s attracting more and more health-conscious men and women.

A raft of female celebrities are also embracing the brew. Actress Mila Kunis says her favourite drink is Blue Moon beer, while supermodel Elle Macpherson revealed recently that she washes her hair with it. Even saintly Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow has said she “can’t get enough of Guinness”.

So what are the benefits of beer, and can it really be good for you?

A VITAMIN-PACKED PINT
“If you analysed beer you would be amazed at how many super-nutrients there are in it” says Dr Stephan Domenig, medical director of The Original F.X. Mayr Health Centre in Austria. “Beer contains  all of the essential – and many of the non-essential – amino acids.”. As well as these protein-building blocks and minerals including phosphorus, iodine, magnesium and potassium, beer is rich in calcium - so could benefit your bones.

A study by Tufts University in the United States in 2009 found that moderate beer consumption can protect bone mineral density. For years Guinness was even prescribed to pregnant women due to its high Vitamin B content. “It’s  now recommended that pregnant women avoid alcohol but other people could benefit” says nutritionist Vicki Edgson.

Choose unpasteurised beer for the greatest health benefits. Pasteurising, or heating to prolong its shelf-life, reduces some nutritional value as the ‘living’ content is removed, says Georgina Young, head brewer at Fuller’s. And cloudy beer is best as filtering removes the yeast and therefore a lot of B vitamins.


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-dispensable Personal Licence Courses

Lager Sales Up Despite World Cup Exit

The latest WDR report (a highly respected organisation within the drinks industry) reports that:

“Lager is still selling significantly more than last year, although the increase was not as high as in weeks 1 and 2.”. Tim Wilson comments “we were expecting some drop off in week 3 as the impact of England’s early exit filtered through into pub goers and shopper’s baskets. However, the football has actually got better and even more exciting without England, and consumers are tuning in in big numbers.”

So the England lads can luxuriate back home in their mansions; buy that new Ferrari, book another holiday, order their next tattoo and sleep soundly knowing that pubs are still busy without them!


Martin Read CMBII
Managing Director of Inn-Dispensable Personal Licence Courses