Why go for a lager?



Chidi Nduka Aja
There are many misconceptions associated with beer drinking. It is claimed that beer is fattening; gives pot belly; processed; responsible for accidents; not good for old age; a guys’ thing; not good for the heart; responsible for misbehavior; not good with food; and promotes violence.
But there are loads of research and studies to suggest that moderate drinking of beer can offer some health benefits. Beer can increase your vitamin B levels, as it contains vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. A Dutch study found that beer drinkers had 30% higher levels of vitamin B6 than their non-drinkers, and twice as much as those of wine drinkers. Beer is also a generous source of B12, an anti-anaemic factor not found in many foods. Other benefits include:
•      Beer contains folic acid, which is a factor against coronary heart disease.
•      The fibre in beer helps to reduce your LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) which is called the “bad cholesterol”. LDL collects in the walls of blood vessels causing the blockages of atherosclerosis which leads to heart attack.
•      Beer aids digestion, as the soluble fibre from the cell walls of barley in it, protects you from intestinal disorders like constipation and diarrhoea. Dark beer in particular contains up to one gram of soluble fibre in each 30cl glass, unlike wine which does not contain any fibre at all.
•      Beer keeps your kidneys healthy, as each bottle reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by 40%. This is adduced to the diuretic power of beer as it is over 90% water.
•      Beer reduces the risk of developing gall stones.
•      Beer contains flavonoids which have preventive effect against hormone-caused cancers, such as breast and uterine cancers.
•      The bitter substance derived from hops, Isohumulones, may improve lipid metabolism, prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes.
•      The ingredients in beer help to prevent blood clots from forming.
•      Beer drinkers have a 40 – 60% reduced risk of suffering a heart attack compared with non-beer drinkers.
•      Beer has a positive effect on insomnia, as lactoflavin and nicotinic acid in it can promote sleep.
•      Beer can give you stronger bones. This is adduced to the elevated levels of silicon in beer. Also has calcium for healthy bones and teeth, especially in post-menopausal women.
•      Beer consumption by the elderly appears to be associated with longer survival and better cognitive function. It also stimulates their appetite and promotes bowel function.
•      Beer is a valuable source of polyphenols which lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other chronic diseases, due to the antioxidant properties. Antioxidants act against free radicals to prevent inflammations.
•      Certain vitamins in beer can regenerate the skin. This makes the skin smoother, suppler and more beautiful.
•      Beer drinkers are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia than non-beer drinkers. Beer boosts your memory.
Work-related stress or anxiety can be reduced by moderate drinking of beer.
•      Beer increases insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
•      Beer is low in sugar, unlike soft drinks and juices, so no blood sugar spikes.
•      Beer is lower in alcohol than wine and lower in calorie.
•      Beer reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains.
•      It is said that drinking of warm beer is an excellent cold remedy.  When barley is warmed up, it improves blood circulation and helps you breath better when you feel congested. It also relieves joint pain and boosts your immunity.
However, there is a case for moderation as even good things can become a stumbling block to us, if used without moderation.
Strategies for moderation
•         Eat before drinking
•         Space your drinks
•         Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
•         Avoid drinking games
•         Learn to refuse drinks
•         Drink slower
Downside of excessive beer consumption
•      Beer belly." Heavy beer drinking may promote abdominal obesity (the so-called "beer belly") in men
•      Heartburn. Beer contains powerful stimulants of gastric acid secretion and may provoke gastroesophageal reflux and cause heartburn
•      High blood pressure. Daily beer consumption (approximately 40 g of alcohol) may increase blood pressure
•      Intoxication and dehydration. Alcohol is a dehydrating agent and downer that reduces activity of the central nervous system. High amounts of alcohol can turn into dehydration, intoxication, and hangover
•       Impairment of driving-related skills. Even small amounts of alcohol can have adverse effects on attention and motor skills. Many serious accidents are alcohol related.
Now you know better. Drinking beer is not the problem. It’s how much you drink that counts. FIND YOUR BALANCE!!!

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