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The BBC reported that the vitamin B6
in beer, helps prevent homocysteine buildup
in the body, which in turn reduces the risk
of heart disease[1]. Homocysteine is an
amio acid in the blood. The American Heart
Association reported that epidemiological
studies have shown that too much homocysteine
in the blood (plasma) is related to a higher
risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and
peripheral vascular disease, and people
who are at high risk are advised to get
enough folic acid and vitamins B6
and B12
in their diet [2]. Beer actually has loads
of the B vitamins (B1/Thiamin,
B2/Riboflavin,
B3/Niacin,
B6/Pyridoxine,
B12/Cobalamin)
which are linked to nerve health, anti-stress,
energy production, cardio vascular protection,
immunity improvement, and possible anti-cancer
properties.
Another interesting benefit of beer. The
Osteoporosis Research Unit in Aberdeen (Scotland)
found that dietary calcium
and modest alcohol intake had a posititive
health benefits on women's bone health.
[3][4]
Beer also may provide protection against
diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and cataracts.
In the University of Western Ontario, research
results have shown that one drink of beer
a day increases blood plasma antioxidant
activity. This helps prevent free radical
oxidation of blood plasma that triggers
these diseases [5]. However, Professor John
Trevithick, the lead researcher, cautions
that more than three drinks a day actually
increases the risk.
Other health benefits of beer include increasing
the amount of good clolesterol (HDL) in
the bloodstream, decrease blood clots. Beer
promotes sleep, blood vessel dilation. It
is a diuretic (ie. promotes urination).
Caution: Excess urination will lead to dehydration.
Drink more water after drinking beer.
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