Beer is one of the oldest and most consumed alcoholic beverages in the world and the third most popular, after water and tea. Brewer's yeast, which is one of the main ingredients in beer making, is a good source of nutrients. On the other hand, beer also contains alcohol, which can have very serious negative effects on our health. Is beer healthy or unhealthy?
Beneficial properties of beer
1. Beer is a source of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids. Beer contains B vitamins, as well as minerals such as magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus. Barley and hop, which are used to make beer, contain many flavonoids, which have very good antioxidant properties;
2. Beer helps against coronary heart disease. Beer helps a lot against cardiovascular disease, because it contains vitamins B6, B9 and B12. According to some studies, people who consume beer in moderation are less likely to develop coronary heart disease;
3. Cholesterol. If consumed in moderation, beer helps improve cardiovascular health by raising levels of "good" cholesterol. The risk of heart attack is reduced by almost 30%;
4. Beer helps with kidney stones. Drinking beer can reduce the risk of kidney stones in middle-aged men. According to a study conducted in Finland, people who drink beer are 40% less likely to have kidney problems;
Harm from beer
1. Beer belly. If you abuse beer, it can lead to obesity in men and form a beer belly. It is believed that those who consume drinks that are high in calories are more prone to the formation of belly fat, because they drink very large amounts, that's why beer is preferred by women;
2. Heartburn. Beer contains very strong stimulants of gastric secretion and this can cause heartburn;
3. Blood pressure. Drinking beer every day can increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease;
4. Cirrhosis. Alcohol has been scientifically proven to cause liver disease, including cirrhosis. According to some scientists, alcohol abuse, including beer, inflames cells in the liver. If consumed regularly and for years, it can also lead to liver disease. This is true for both light beer and dark beer.
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