There is something great about having a glass of champagne at special events, cocktails at the beach and a beer in your hand at the pub, or with a get-together with your friends or family. And whilst there are many people who have been “having a pint” and enjoying this specific drink for years, it’s never really been celebrated quite as passionately as it has been lately.

While we do not promote heavy drinking, or drinking of alcohol in large quantities, research has shown that beer may hold a few key benefits for your long-term health, and we could not wait to share this with you. Researchers in Spain found that some of the naturally occurring nutrients found in the beer, and not the alcohol itself, were in fact possibly good for your health. We explore this in more detail below.

The Benefits of Drinking Beer

Wards off heart disease

When healthy people drink any sort of alcoholic beverage, including beer, it seems to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, and actually reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries), and even heart attack. This is because it increases high-density lipoprotein, also known as "good cholesterol", and vitamin B6 that is found in beer can help lower homocysteine levels, a chemical considered to be one of the risk factors for heart disease.

Individuals who drank roughly 1 - 2 beers a day significantly reduced their risk, compared to those who did not drink, or to those who only drank occasionally. It is however important to bear the risks in mind. Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks per day, has shown an increased likelihood of death in men with a history of heart attacks

Prevents diabetes in men

Men who drink beer (or any alcohol) in moderate amounts, seem to lower their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared to non-drinkers. People who abstain from drinking could have a significantly higher risk of developing abnormal glucose regulation.

Healthier Bone Density

There is some developing evidence that suggests beer contributes towards stronger bones. Moderate drinking of beer (no more than one per day) seems to have a more beneficial effect on bone strength compared to that of non-drinkers. Certain compounds present in beer act in synergy with silicon to stimulate osteoblast cells, which helps to improve bone structure, and in turn, aids the remineralisation of bones and teeth.

Lowers Cholesterol

Research has shown that moderate beer drinking can raise your “good” cholesterol levels. It does this by increasing the speed at which proteins are transported throughout the body, thanks to the antioxidants found in a good brew. However, drinking large amounts of beer could actually have the opposite effect, because it can raise your cholesterol levels, as well as your triglyceride levels (a type of fat/lipid found in your blood).

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

Beer has been linked to the prevention and decline of thinking skills in later life. Developing evidence suggests that just 1-2 drinks per day could reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease in both men and women.

Other Benefits

Whilst wine is known for carrying many antioxidants, beer is also loaded with antioxidants of a different kind. Beer also contains more protein and Vitamin B than wine. It also contains iron, calcium, phosphates and even fibre.

Beer that contains a lot of hops, are rich in phytochemicals, which are great for your kidney – they help to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Some have even used beer to stimulate their appetite and aid digestion, or to increase the levels and flow of breastmilk.

 For some people, beer has decreased their levels of anxiety, however the effect of alcohol on anxiety is complicated. Levels of anxiety could essentially become worse depending on the psychological state of the person drinking. So whilst we would not recommend having a drink to reduce anxiety, those who are just wanting to “kick back” could find enjoyment whilst sipping on a cold one.

Do these benefits also apply to non-alcoholic beers?

Non-alcoholic beers have become all the rage and are now more than ever found in abundance. Great news for those who have decided to reduce the levels of alcohol they consume, as you will still benefit from many of the main health benefits of beer, thanks to the barley and hops (to name but a few ingredients).

Remember that in order to really benefit from this drink, the key is moderation. It has been recommended that one drink for women and no more than two per day for men is key. However, as you’re sipping on a cold beer on a warm day, this new found knowledge may just add to your enjoyment. Salut!