The Health Benefits Of Wine & Beer
Wine has undergone intensive studies over the years and it has been proven to be an effective elixir. Who says a man needs a fountain of youth to live a long life? Pour yourself a glass of wine and bottle up some surprising benefits. We gathered some interesting facts and curiosities about how wine can impact your health. Take it lightly, get to know your beverage of choice, and drink in moderation.
Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermenting cereal grains with yeast, hops, and other flavoring agents. Most types of beer contain 4–6% alcohol, but the beverage can range from 0.5–40%.
Because emerging research has shown that moderate amounts of wine may have health benefits, many people wonder if beer can be good for you.
We'll explore the nutrition of beer, as well as its potential benefits!
***** THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF WINE *****
Keeps heart healthy
Not only does it regulate cholesterol levels, but it also keeps the heart healthy. Polyphenols, a certain type of antioxidant present in red wines prevent unwanted clotting by keeping the blood vessels flexible. However, it should be remembered that heavy drinking damages the heart.
Regulates blood sugar
Resveratrol, the natural compound found in grape skin, controls blood sugar levels in diabetic persons. The research showed that subjects who took 250 mg of resveratrol supplements once daily for three months had lower glucose levels in their blood than those who did not. Resveratrol also controls cholesterol levels and systolic blood pressure.
May reduce the risk of cancer
Regular and moderate consumption of red wine can effectively reduce the risks of certain types of cancers such as basal cell, colon, prostrate carcinoma, ovarian, etc. Scientists used a dose of resveratrol on human cancer cells and found that it obstructs the key action of a cancer-aiding protein.
Keeps memory sharp
Wondering how to keep your memory sharp? According to research, resveratrol in red wines inhibits the formation of beta-amyloid protein, a key ingredient in the plaque of the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Reduces the risk of depression
A study carried out on middle-aged to elderly people showed that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily keeps away depression. People who drink red wine are less likely to be depressed than people who don’t.
Has positive effects on the digestive system
The anti-bacterial nature of red wines has enabled them to treat stomach irritation and other digestive disorders. Wine consumption has also been proven to reduce the risk of infection from Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium usually found in the stomach.
***** THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEER *****
It lowers bad cholesterol and may make your heart healthier.
The soluble fiber in beer can help to lower your LDL or “bad” cholesterol. Moderate beer or alcohol intake improves the antioxidant properties of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and the body’s ability to remove cholesterol. Low to moderate alcohol intake may thus make you less likely to suffer from heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke.
It may improve blood sugar control and lower diabetes risk.
Light to moderate alcohol intake may improve blood sugar control. It may also reduce insulin resistance, leading to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, this benefit doesn’t apply to beers that contain high amounts of sugar.
It may boost cognitive function.
Moderate beer consumption has been found to increase cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. This is all thanks to the silicon in beer again, which helps protect your brain from compounds that will cause cognitive diseases.
It cleans your teeth.
Research has shown that beer can keep bacteria, which promote tooth decay and gum disease, from forming and growing on your teeth. It blocks the communication between bacteria and slows their growth.
It may reduce inflammation.
Hops, which are essential in making beer, have anti-inflammatory properties. Moderate consumption of beer may help you fight inflammation and reduce your risk of falling sick.
It helps prevent kidney stones.
Apart from their anti-inflammatory properties, hops are also rich in phytochemicals that promote kidney health. Drinking beer moderately may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
It helps reduce stress.
Moderate beer consumption can reduce work-related stress or anxiety at the moment. But turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism can contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety in the long run, making stress harder to deal with.