By the end of the week, we don't blame you for wanting to kick back with a cold one. Enjoying a beer not only relieves stress from your busy life, but it also offers some physical health benefits.
- It reduces risk of heart attack: A recent Swedish study showed that women who drank one or two beers a week (no more) had a 30 percent lower risk of having a heart attack [1] as compared to heavy drinkers or those who didn't drink beer at all. That's worth ordering a bottle!
- It strengthens bones: Beer has also been shown to strengthen bones [2]. Just be mindful that more than two beers a day can have the opposite effect. Most of us aren't thinking about osteoporosis, but if drinking a beer can decrease your chances of hip fractures later in life, your older self will thank you for popping open a can.
- It protects against diabetes: If you're worried about type 2 diabetes, moderate alcohol consumption (no more than one a day) can protect you against this disease [3].
- It offers antioxidants: If you've heard that Guinness is good for you [4], you'd be right! It contains immune-boosting antioxidants and can also improve your memory. Dark beers also offer a small dose of iron [5].
- It's being formulated for fitness: Sometimes you crave a cold one after a long, hot workout, but the calories and carbs can feel counterproductive. There are two "fitness" beers now on the market. An online nutrition store in the UK has created Barbell Beer [6], which is low in carbs but offers a hit of protein. Or you can recover with Lean Machine Ale [7], a Canadian low-carb brew fortified with electrolytes.
This, of course, isn't a license to inhale a six-pack. Moderate and responsible drinking should always be on your mind so you can avoid a nasty hangover [9]. And if you're worried about weight gain, check out this list to see which beer has the fewest calories [10].