Saturday, August 15, 2009

Bare facts about beer!


Beer is the world's oldest alcoholic drink and is the most popular drink next only to coffee and tea!

Fermented beverages like beer and wine were preferred to water which was considered unsafe for drinking due to the spread of water-borne diseases at some point of time in the evolution of human civilization. Slowly beer and wine became part of religious rituals and social events particularly in the western countries with the Church taking an active role in promoting vineyards in the Medieval Period. In the modern times beer and wine in limited quantities on daily basis are the natural choice of the health-conscious human society.

Beer is produced by the brewing and fermentation of starches derived from cereal grains- mainly malted barley even though wheat, maize (corn)and rice are also used. Beer is flavoured with hops, which add bitterness and act as a natural preservative.

Extensive studies have been done on beer's essential wholesomeness - its medical benefits, nutritional aspects, healthy contributions. Here are some of the bare facts about beer.

Beer has been seen as a nourishing homely product like bread. It is also known as 'liquid bread'!

Beer has no fat, no cholesterol, no caffeine and no nitrate.
Beer contains protein, carbohydrates, significant amounts of magnesium, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, biotin and B vitamins.
Beer is 92 percent water!

Light beer, high alcohol beer, wheat beer, etc., are some of the variations based on the constituents and their composition, color, etc.

Beer is also an excellent cooking medium utilized by innovative chefs to enhance the gourmet taste.

Beer may be for shear enjoyment or refreshment or friendship but it does contribute to healthier life too!

Researchers have established that a drink or two a day leads to a healthier heart and prevents blood clotting and stroke. It was also brought to lime light that beer increases level of Vitamin B6 to control a chemical known as homocysteine which influences high risk of heart disease.

Beer is a better alcoholic drink than wine and other spirits because beer contains many more nutrients such as protein and B-vitamins and minerals. Polyphenols present in beer are characterized by their antioxidant properties that reduce LDL cholesterol oxidation. In addition beer has phytoestrogens which is found to inhibit test-tube growth of prostate, breast and colon cancers.

Recent research reveals that the rich silicon content in beer helps fight osteoporosis in middle aged women passing through their menopause. Further phytoestrogen in beer keeps the bones healthy in women.

Next time when you raise your foam-filled glass to toast good health, I am sure you will definitely feel that drink downed is packed with constituents that save your life!

2 comments:

  1. I didn't know this. I don't like beer though. Too bad.

    Have a terrific day. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you. You may try a glass of beer with health consciousness now! Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete