Drinking Beer May be Good for Men

Beer, men and TV seem to go hand in hand. But did you know that drinking beer could be beneficial to health? Whichever beer you may prefer, ales, lagers or bitters, it has been seen that drinking up to two mugs a day may successfully help men overcome heart problems.

Studies have shown that consumption of beer in moderation will actually reduce the chances of suffering a stroke in American men. Interestingly, the non-drinkers are more susceptible to coronary diseases than the beer drinkers. Beer, in fact, contains polyphenols which are anti oxidant in nature. Red wine and beer contain the same amount of these anti oxidants whereas the quantity of polyphenols in white wine is considerably less.

Alcohol, in general, has been found to increase the level of good cholesterol in the blood stream thereby reducing the formation of blood clots.

Beer is also rich in Vitamin B6 which prevents increase of the amino acid homocysteine and helps in preventing heart disease. Medical journals have reported that drinking beer increases vitamin B6 in the body and is a healthier drink than other wines or liquors.

Although the increase in abdominal fat is often blamed on beer, this alcoholic drink is actually fat free and cholesterol free. It can also help in relaxation of the body leading to a relatively stress free mind. Drinking a small quantity daily will actually induce sleep and prevent insomnia. Elderly people may benefit by drinking beer in moderation too. It helps in sleep, urination and causes dilation of the blood vessels.

Apart from vitamin B6, beer also contains sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin B2. All of which are good for health in general.

Beer has been used in cooking particularly in Western Europe. Since alcohol has a lower boiling point than water, it evaporates quickly during cooking while the characteristic taste lingers on. It has been often used as a substitute for water in soups and stocks, also as a marinade for some unique beef dishes.

Although, beer can help you to be cheerful, even tempered and reasonably healthy, overindulgence may be harmful.