Beer Is Better!

Many of you know, or have heard, that the moderate consumption of alcohol (in particular, wine) has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, what many of you probably do not know is that beer is actually reported to be better and more beneficial than wine and spirits in this respect, containing many more nutrients. Below is a list of these wonderful little goodies that can be found in the average beer (and I'm talking beer...not "beer," i.e., the carbonated fluid siphoned out of the bladder that is the macro-industrial "beer" scene).

- 11 ounces of pure water

- 14 percent of dietary calories

- 11 percent of dietary protein

- 12 percent of dietary carbohydrates

- 9 percent of dietary phosphorus

- 7 percent of dietary riboflavin

- 5 percent of dietary niacin

- 150 calories

- no fat

- no cholesterol

- no caffeine

- no nitrate

- 1 gram of protein

- significant amounts of magnesium, selenium, potassium, and biotin

- B vitamins including impressive amounts of B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxin), and B9 (folate), with smaller amounts of B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B12 (inotisol and choline)

- beer is also considered inherently kosher, conforming to Jewish standards of food purity

In addition, the health benefits of moderately drinking beer on a daily basis include:

- 20 percent to 30 percent reduction in death from all causes (wow!)

- 13 percent reduction in the incidence of all disease in general

- significantly reduced risk of ulcers

- significant (40 percent to 50 percent) reduction in the risk of developing gallstones and kidney stones

- 45 percent reduced incidence of stroke, including among Type II diabetics

- 56 percent lower risk of angina

- 47 percent lower risk of myocardial infarction

- substantially lower risk of carotid arteriosclerosis

Don't believe me? Skeptic. Look up a Dr. Denke and her clinical study from 2001. This quick list of nutritional information and health benefits can also be found, and discussed in greater depth, in a very illuminating book by Christopher Mark O'Brien titled Fermenting Revolution: How to Drink Beer and Save the World. Check out his site too, via the "Beer Activist" link on the right column of this page.

Drink up!

Peace and Love!