Beer has been an all-time favorite drink in most of the cuisines across the world. It is the world's most widely drunk alcoholic beverage and probably the oldest. In fact, we do not need any particular occasion to drink beer. It is one of our favorite pastimes and a can of beer just gives us enough company while watching a television show, playing cards or chatting with friends. And the beer industry is leaving no stone unturned while ensuring to offer us the best possible flavors and taste. The trendier craft beers have shot to popularity due to their flavor, aroma and complexity to match with a broad range of likings. High gravity beers, which are formed by adding more sugar and other ingredients, are more expensive due to their rich flavor and taste.
What Forms a Beer?
The common ingredients which form beer include water, grain, hops and yeast. The bitterness of the drink comes from the hops, which also add flavor to the malted barley, a source of carbohydrate in beer. Hops also perform the function of a preservative and balance the sweet taste of the malt. The brewer's yeast is required for the fermentation of the brew into alcohol. During the process of brewing, the carbohydrate source is transformed into a sugary liquid called wort, which then undergoes the yeast fermentation process to get converted into alcohol. Brewers add more sugar and other ingredients (such as fruits, herbs and spices) at the beginning of the brew process in an attempt to create more complex and uniquely flavored beers. Some brewers even use alternate grains like maize, rice or wheat instead of barley to create unique-tasting beers.
Beer style and recipe determine the percentage of alcohol and it can range from less than 3 percent to 40 percent by volume. Pale lagers contain about 4 to 6 percent of alcohol. The beer gets its strength and flavor from starch, a primary ingredient. The degree of roasting of the malt determines the color of the beer which might vary from pale amber to dark brown.
Is Moderate Amount of Beer Good for You?
It is true that beer like any other alcoholic drinks such as wine and spirits has certain health benefits if consumed in moderate amounts.
- According to several studies, moderate alcohol consumption can improve cardiovascular conditions by raising the level of "good" HDL cholesterol and bringing down the risk of heart attack by almost 30 percent. Over-comsumption, however, can have the opposite effect by increasing the risk for death via heart disease.
- Beer contains vitamin B6 and folate which may help to prevent the build up of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine can damage blood vessels leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- There is also some evidence that the alcohol can raise the sensitivity of insulin, which in turn, diminishes the risk of diabetes.
- A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that the risk of kidney stones was decreased by 40 percent in middle-aged beer-drinking men as compared to non-beer-drinkers. The researchers, however, couldn't determine which component of the beer was responsible for the drop.
- A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reports that adults (over the age of 65) who drank one to six alcoholic beverages over the course of the week had a lower risk of dementia as compared with non-drinkers or heavier drinkers. Similarly, a report in the American Heart Association journal showed that a drink or two a day might be linked to better cognitive function in women.
- A little bit of nutritional goodness also comes from the basic components which form an alcoholic drink. Hops, yeast and grains provide carbohydrates, small amounts of B vitamins and potassium.
What is the Definition of a Moderate Amount of Beer?
According to experts, beer can be consumed responsibly only by adults. A woman is said to be drinking moderate amount of beer if she takes one drink every day. The moderate amount for a man would be two drinks daily. In one drink, you can expect 350 ml (around 12 ounces) of regular beer. But experts do not suggest the intake of beer in order to derive health benefits. There are better ways to protect against heart disease than by drinking beer.
How can Beer Affect Your Health if Taken in Excess Amounts?
- Heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages can lead to cancer of the liver, cirrhosis, obesity and alcoholism.
- The risk of stroke increases in individuals who resort to binge drinking.
- Increased intakes of alcoholic beverages have also been found to be related with the development of colon and breast cancers.
- Chronic hypertension and weight gain are the other undesirable effects on health.
Can Drinking Beer Lead to Beer Belly?
Beer does not necessarily cause beer belly. Excess calories from any food source can cause beer belly. But drinks contribute to the tummy fat more because you tend to drink too much without getting a feeling of fullness. There are 150 calories in an average 300 ml beer and this adds up in the body very quickly. Beer increases your hunger and you resort to mindless consumption of high-calorie, fatty and sugary foods. You can check your calorie intake by consuming light beers which contain around 60 - 100 calories.
Beer is necessarily a social drink, so you need to control its intake to avoid undesirable consequences on your health, family and social life. The rich taste and flavor can really give you pleasure while watching a TV program or while spending time with friends. Control your overindulgence and enjoy a good beer-and-food combo!
