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Beer & Health

Did you know that beer can be part of a moderate, healthy lifestyle?

Not only is moderate consumption of beer not bad for you but it can actually have many beneficial effects.

Beer is a rich source of vitamins (especially B vitamins), fibre, mineral, and antioxidants which all contribute to a healthy diet. Additionally, beer is the only significant dietary source of hops, so all beneficial effects of hops can only be found in beer.

In comparison to most alcoholic drinks, beer tends to have a relatively low alcoholic strength and it can play a vital role in a consumer’s quality of life.

Heart Health

Compared with those who don’t drink, moderate drinkers have a substantially reduced risk of cardiovascular disease which is the leading cause of death in Europe.

People who are moderate consumers of beer have a 30-40% reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared to teetotal people. The World Health Organisation has described this as the “most important health benefit of alcohol”.

This is probably because the amount of ‘good (HDL) cholesterol’ in the blood increases when alcohol is consumed – one glass of beer a day can significantly increase HDL cholesterol levels.

Wellbeing

Drinking alcohol in moderate amounts is effective in reducing stress and tension and this leads to increased feelings of well being.

Moderate alcohol consumers have been found to experience a greater variety of psychological benefits from consuming alcohol compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers.

Many studies have shown increases in sociability and friendliness following moderate alcohol consumption – and this positive benefit is amplified when beer drinking happens in a social environment such as the pub.

Drinkers Voice

‘Drinkers’ Voice is a new network of people across the UK who enjoy drinking moderately as part of a healthy lifestyle. We want to bring normal people back into the debate about drinking to counter anti-alcohol campaigners who want to stop you enjoying a drink.’

‘Drinkers’ Voice aims to give the public a voice in the debate on moderate drinking. Click on this section to find out more.’

 

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