Effects, harms of beer and number of glasses you should drink per day

Beer is one of the oldest beverages in the world, a fermented product of cereals.

Nutritional Information

A can of beer (about 350ml) contains 153 calories, 2g protein, 1g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 1g sugar. Beer contains potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B9.

Depending on the color, some beers are also good sources of antioxidants. The darker the beer, the more antioxidants it has. Antioxidants fight free radicals in your body, reducing your risk of chronic diseases and some forms of cancer.

Drinking beer in moderation brings certain benefits. Photo: BS

Potential benefits

Beer is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and some varieties also contain antioxidants. Research suggests that beer has some potential health benefits when consumed in moderation:

Reduce the risk of heart disease

According toMedical News Today, drinking one to two glasses of beer a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. In fact, beer may improve heart health as effectively as wine at the same alcohol content.

Drinking one beer a day reduces the risk of death from all causes for women, and up to two drinks a day has the same effect for men.

Stabilize blood sugar

Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help diabetics control their blood sugar more effectively. One study found that drinking one to two beers a day could reduce the risk of diabetes by up to 50%.

This effect is best achieved with low-sugar beers.

Increase bone strength

Early research suggests that moderate amounts of beer may help strengthen bones in men and postmenopausal women. But the benefits drop off sharply when consumption exceeds two drinks a day, so moderation is key.

Health authorities recommend not drinking more than 350ml for women and 700ml for men. Photo: Eatthis

Potential risks

Drinking a lot of beer, more than two glasses a day, poses many risks.

Addictive potential

All alcoholic beverages have the potential to be addictive. Therefore, people with a family history of addiction should be cautious when drinking beer or any other type of alcohol. Furthermore, drinking too much beer will eliminate most of the health benefits.

Reduced lifespan

Heavy beer consumption significantly increases the risk of death from all causes. Studies show that heavy drinking can reduce life expectancy by up to 28 years.

Increased risk of liver disease

Drinking more than two beers a day increases your risk of developing fatty liver disease or cirrhosis.

Weight gain

Many beers are high in calories, so drinking large amounts regularly can lead to significant weight gain. “Beer belly” is a common term used to describe people who carry excess weight around their waist.

How much beer should you drink per day?

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend moderate alcohol consumption. Women should have no more than one drink and men should have no more than two. One drink is equal to 350ml of beer.

Drinking more than the recommended guidelines may lead to negative health effects.

Although beer is rich in nutrients, people should not turn to beer for its nutritional value. You should prioritize a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins./.