5 Surprising Benefits of Beer: A Toast to Good Health

I often joke around with friends that I’m on a liquid diet while holding up a can (or three) of beer, and they'd often retort with "That’s not a proper meal" or "That’s going to make you fat". I never gave much thought to it. However, with the advent of craft beers, I started getting curious about the nutritional value of beer. And it turns out I wasn’t entirely wrong about being on a liquid diet.

So, why drink beer? Beer —made from malt, hops, water, and yeast—is known for its distinct taste and refreshing qualities. Unlike hard liquors, it contains lower alcohol content, making it a preferred choice for many individuals. Typically brewed from grains, this "liquid bread" has protein, antioxidants and vitamin B content.

But is beer good for health, and if so, what are some of the health benefits when consumed in moderation?

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Beer

• Prevents Anaemia

• Improves Skin Health

• Reduces Inflammation

• Boosts Brain Function

• Reduces Cholesterol Levels

1. Prevents Anaemia

Anaemia occurs when your body runs low on red blood cells because of a deficiency in vitamin B12. This is where beer comes in. It assists in the following ways:

• Boosted vitamin B12

  This is key to making red and white blood cells and platelets.

• Increases folic acid

  This helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

• Improves iron absorption

  This helps strengthen your blood health.

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2. Improves Skin Health

The benefits of drinking beer for your skin cannot be overlooked. Some beer ingredients that help are:

• Beer yeast

  Packed with top-notch proteins, this yeast improves skin and hair's shine.

• Vitamin B6

  As a crucial team member in the metabolism of zinc, vitamin B6 can stimulate healthy-looking skin, and is often used in skincare products that target oily spots.

• Silicon

  This provides elasticity for your skin since it's a primary contributor to collagen production in the body.

• Selenium

  This antioxidant fights off skin cell damage to ensure firm and protected skin and shields cell membranes from UV damage and pigmentation, curbing premature wrinkles and signs of ageing.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Darker beers like stouts and porters have phenols, which are natural antioxidants that tackle inflammation and keep your digestion in check. And guess what? IPAs (India Pale Ales) are rockstars at soothing gut inflammation. Little Creatures is one of my personal favourites.

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4. Boosts Brain Function

Having a past history of high cholesterol, I always thought drinking beer would impact my cholesterol levels negatively. But guess what? Drinking in moderation can boost your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels. Higher levels of HDL lowers plaque buildup and inflammation in arteries for better blood flow to the brain. Higher HDL can also help keep your central nervous system functioning optimally for better physiological function.

Beer also contains silicon, which protects your body from the harmful side effects of aluminium—one possible cause of Alzheimer's.

5. Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Barley contains beta-glucans, which are soluble fibres that help increase the levels of HDL in our body. HDL is denser and absorbs cholesterol in the bloodstream, carrying it back to the liver to be flushed out. Consequently, higher levels of HDL can decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cheers to Moderation

Despite all the health benefits outlined, excessive consumption of beer is not advised. But if you're unwinding with a cold one after a long day or celebrating a victory, a couple of beers won't hurt. To find one that resonates with your tastebuds, be sure to check out Paneco 's extensive range.

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