People always give red wine the credit, but some dieticians are now saying that beer may also be good for you. According to the Boston Globe, dieticians are now saying that beer may have some interesting nutritional benefits, as well as advantages to health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokeswoman Andrea Giancoli says that beer has "unique nutritional and health benefits." In fact, drinking beer can help lower the risk of heart disease, lower the risk of kidney stones in men, and build stronger bones.
Beers, but especially dark beers, have about a gram of soluble fiber per 12 ounce glass, while wine offers no fiber. Soluble fiber-rich foods, such as pears and dried beans, or foods that make up beer, such as oats and barley, can help lower LDL cholesterol levels in the body. In addition, the hops and malt in beer contain flavonoids which act as antioxidants in your body, and are good for heart health. This, paired with the alcoholic punch, helps increase the level of good cholesterol in your body.
Some of the compounds in hops also reduce the release of calcium from bones. Hops are added to beer as a preservative component, as well as a flavoring and aroma adding adjunct. Many popular modern beer styles focus on a great deal of hops being added. This reduction of calcium releasing reduces the appearance of kidney stones. Beer is also super rich in silicon, which has been linked to making stronger bones.
Don't jump to an all beer diet quite yet though. Excessive booze drinking can certainly weaken bone strength, be it through beer, hard liquor or wine. Drinking in moderation is key. For men, that means up to two drinks daily, and for women, only one drink. That one drink would be a single beer, or a 5 ounce glass of wine, or one shot of liquor.
For my money, I'd take the beer.
