Drinking beer sensibly has health benefits, say experts

Experts from The Beer Academy, London stated in their report that if drunk with restraint, beer is the ‘healthiest alcoholic beverage available’ with low calorific-value.

Cambridge News quoted biochemist Dr. George Philliskirk, co-founder and director, The Beer Academy, as saying, “We are trying to help people understand what beer is, what it’s made of, and that when drunk in moderation it actually has a lot of positive health benefits.”

“Hopefully it will give people confidence when buying beer, and will take away some myths and fear about drinking beer. There are an awful lot of misconceptions associated with the drink,” added Philliskirk.

The Beer Academy report
The online study conducted this February, interviewed selected 2,004 adults aged 18 and over.

Survey results revealed that 68 percent people considered beer to be Britain’s national drink.

However, 10 percent people believed that the drink contained fat and another 13 percent had a misconception that it was made from chemical ingredients rather than malted barley and hops.

Instead, the research revealed beer to be fat-free, comprising antioxidants and minerals like silicon. Silicon used for brewing beer, is found in large quantity in barley husks.

Researchers further declared beer as a rich source of vitamins, fibre, minerals and antioxidants.

Other findings of the research
Furthermore, the report showed that half a pint (unit of liquid measure) of 3.8 percent bitter contains 85 calories; half a pint of 4 percent lager (light-coloured beer) has 94 calories.

Further, a 175ml glass of red wine is known to contain 119 calories.

Asserting on the virtues of beer, Red Squirrel brewer Gary Hayward was quoted by The Herald as saying, “Real Ale is good for you in moderation. It contains all the building blocks needed for life. Real ale contains proteins, minerals and vitamins.”

“It also contains trace elements of zinc which help yeast vitality and in moderation is good for libido! Our Beer is made of natural products and produced locally,” added Hayward.

A spokeswoman for the Beer Academy told NewsTime, “Beer contains vitamins which can help you to maintain a well-balanced healthy diet, fibre to keep you regular, readily absorbed antioxidants and minerals such as silicon which may help to lower your risk of osteoporosis.”

Source http://www.themedguru.com/20100622/newsfeature/drinking-beer-sensibly-has-health-benefits-say-experts-86136632.html