5 Beer Benefits That Will Make You Feel Great

There’s a lot to like about beer — it’s refreshing and light, plus, it’s low in calories. But did you know that it also contains a host of health benefits?

BEER BENEFIT #1: PREVENT HEART DISEASE

A recent study found that people who drink about a pint of beer a day are more likely to avoid heart disease than those who don’t. That’s based on an analysis of 16 studies that included more than 200,000 participants.

The researchers found that a daily drink, regardless of type, reduced your risk of heart attack or stroke by 31%. That’s similar to the effect seen from red wine, but it’s important to note that you can still get a lot of the benefits from beer if you limit your intake to moderate amounts.

BEER BENEFIT #2: THINK LIKE A GENIUS

Knocking back a few pints of your favorite brew may actually help your brain function better. In fact, a recent study found that beer-buzzed men were 30% more likely to solve verbal puzzles than their sober counterparts.

BEER BENEFIT #3: PREVENT TYPE 2 DIABETES

According to Harvard University research, men who added one or two beers a day to their diets were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. They were also able to reduce their blood sugar levels, compared to the men who avoided alcohol. This is an encouraging result, but it’s important to remember that drinking too much can lead to serious problems, such as cirrhosis of the liver or pancreatic cancer.

BEER BENEFIT #4: FIGHT INFECTIONS

While most Americans don’t get enough folate or selenium in their diets, many beers do contain these nutrients. Depending on the type, your beer may also provide you with fiber and other micronutrients that can improve your overall health.

BEER BENEFIT #5: HELP YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM TO DEFENSE INFAMS AND STILL EAT RIGHT

While many beers are high in calories, some brands are lower in alcohol and higher in fiber. The fiber in your favorite brew can help you feel fuller longer, which is good for weight loss.

BEER BENEFIT #6: HELP YOUR BONES GROW

While it might sound odd, the phosphorus in your favorite beer can help strengthen your bones, according to a review published in the International Journal of Endocrinology. That’s because beer contains more phosphorus than milk and other beverages, which can boost bone density in postmenopausal women.

BEER BENEFIT #7: SAVE YOUR SKIN

A study out of Oregon Health & Science University found that a small dose of alcohol can actually boost your immune system to fight infections, even when you’re not feeling sick. That’s because the alcohol in beer can stimulate your lymphocytes (the white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections).

BEER BENEFIT #8: HELP YOUR SLEEP QUALITY

While many experts recommend that you don’t drink close to bedtime, a recent study from the University of Minnesota found that drinking beer a few hours before going to sleep could impair your quality of sleep and make it harder to wake up in the morning. That’s because the alcohol in beer causes gastric acid to be secreted.