Beer contains a mix of substances, but it should not be counted on for health improvements. The diuretic action of alcohol, phytoestrogens, and appetite stimulation can counterbalance any potential benefits. A gastroenterologist at the Center for Molecular Diagnostics CMD, a part of the Obninsk Federal Budgetary Institution under Rospotrebnadzor, and affiliated with the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, shared these insights with socialbites.ca.
Beer parks itself alongside orange juice when it comes to minerals like magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and potassium. Yet its pronounced diuretic effect means these trace elements are often lost in urine. The beverage does provide vitamins B1 and B2 and also nicotinic and folic acids. In the short term, beer can help lower cholesterol and expand blood vessels, which may support hematopoiesis. Over time, however, beer drinkers may accumulate weight around the waist due to increased appetite and insulin release, potentially raising the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues, according to the physician.
Even though beer contains alcohol, a single glass can conceal a portion of vodka within a two-liter bottle. The doctor stressed that beer should not be consumed frequently, and if a person cannot go without drinking for several days, that pattern may indicate alcoholism.
Non-alcoholic beer is not without its caveats. More hops are added to improve flavor in some varieties. Hops have a choleretic effect and contain flavonoids that can support kidney and bladder function. Yet hops also carry phytohormones similar to female estrogens. As a result, in men this may lead to an increase in body fat, reduced muscle mass, and potential gynecomastia. There can also be an impact on libido and sperm production, according to the medical professional.
Preservatives such as sulfur dioxide are sometimes introduced to beer, which can adversely affect the microbiota. This may weaken immune resilience and reduce the production of substances that influence mood and brain function. Reaction speed and cognitive performance can be affected. The consequences of alcohol use are especially significant for individuals under twenty-one years of age.
Neuroscientific research indicates that by age twenty-one the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex reach maturation, guiding social behavior. Alcohol and acetaldehyde can impede this development, as noted by the gastroenterologist.
A careful professional noted a common question about kidney stones: does beer assist in passing them? The response hinges on individual risk factors, stone composition, and overall hydration. In general, relying on beer for stone passage is not advised. Hydration with water and evidence-based medical guidance remain the safer approach.