Many of us who are trying to lose weight and get healthy often associate drinking alcoholic beverages in general as bad for our health. However, when you stick to moderate amounts of booze (generally considered a glass or two daily), beer actually can provide many health benefits. From protecting against type 2 diabetes to helping with a person’s stress and blood pressure, there are many surprising health benefits to beer. So go down to your local brewery and indulge in a pint of your favorite ale, because here are just a few health benefits that beer provides.
Prevent Diabetes
We all know that type 2 diabetes is on the rise. Bad habits and lack of exercise can be attributed to that but what you may not know is that beer may just be something to look into. When it comes to preventing diabetes, research has shown that beer (again, when drinking in moderation) can actually reduce the risk of a person developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 30%. Moderation is key though when it comes to this research as it is important to note that drinking more than 4 beers in a day was actually associated with an increased risk in developing type 2 diabetes by the same researchers.
Can Protect Against Heart Disease
Worried about your heart health? Beer lovers will enjoy the next health benefit of drinking their favorite brew. New research results released last fall have also shown that men who have one or two beers a day and women and men aged 65 and older who have one beer a day showed a decline in cardiovascular disease and even stroke. Those that kept to a moderate amount of drinking beer as part of their daily diet were relatively more healthy when it comes to matters of the heart than their counterparts who drank heavily and not at all.
Fights Stress And Lowers Blood Pressure
It is no surprise that many people retreat to their favorite bar or brewery after a long day at work to unwind from a stressful week. Those that indulge in a few drinks throughout the week actually reported feeling less stressed and more calm after having a beer. This may not seem too surprising, but having a beer can also help lower your blood pressure too. For women who have a glass of beer (a serving of 12 ounces ) a day and men who have two glasses a day, beer consumption can lower a person’s blood pressure.
Now go find a great brewery and order a pint or two and don’t stress about a little beer being bad for your help. Drink up to start reaping some of the health benefits from beer.