The benefits of moderate drinking, including beer, have been well documented by medical professionals. But is it really OK to drink beer every day? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of consuming this popular beverage on a regular basis.
The Health Benefits of Beer
There are many health benefits of beer! For example, beer is a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress. Beer also contains important B vitamins (including B6 and B12) and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and selenium. These nutrients can help to support overall health and well-being. Additionally, moderate consumption of beer has been linked with a number of health benefits including decreased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and dementia.
The Risks of Drinking Too Much Beer
The risks of consuming too much beer are both short- and long-term. In the short term, drinking too much beer can lead to dehydration, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and in extreme cases of over-intoxication, death. Intoxication can also lead to accidents and injuries, and be the cause of violence and other anti-social behaviors. Long-term risks associated with heavy drinking include liver damage and an increased risk of cancer, along with the personal and social issues that can come with alcoholism.
How to Drink Beer in a Healthy Way
Just like with any other food or drink, moderation is key when it comes to beer and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That being said, there are a few tips you can follow to make sure you’re enjoying your brews in a healthy way:
1. Choose light beers whenever possible. Light beers have fewer calories and carbs, which is important if you’re watching your weight.
2. Drink beer with meals instead of as an alcoholic beverage by itself. This will help you slow down and prevent over-consumption.
3. Watch out for empty calories from pretzels, and chips that often accompany drinking sessions. Opt for healthier snacks instead, such as mixed nuts and (unsweetened) popcorn.
Drinking Beer Every Day
As we’ve found, drinking beer every day comes with both benefits and risks. A can or two a day probably won’t hurt you, but if you’re drinking an entire six-pack or more, then that’s definitely not advisable. Additionally, if you find that you cannot go without drinking beer every day, then you may need to seek help from a medical professional or an addiction specialist.
To reduce the risks of drinking beer every day, try to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will help flush out the toxins from alcohol. Secondly, eat healthy foods that will help absorb the toxins and protect your liver. Foods like broccoli, kale, and spinach are all great options. Finally, make sure to get plenty of exercise. This will help improve your overall health and also reduce the negative effects of alcohol.
Overall, it seems like drinking a moderate amount of beer is okay for your health. So, if you enjoy a cold one at the end of a long day or with dinner, go ahead and indulge. Just make sure that you’re not overdoing it and that most of your diet comes from healthy foods. Cheers!
