Importance of Beer; it prevents cardiovascular diseases, say scientists

Scientists and nutritionists have said that moderate level of beer consumption is beneficial to the health of the lungs and hearts.

Dr. Henk Hendricks, a biologist and a project leader in the Institute for Food and Nutrition, Netherlands, said at a Beer and Lifestyle symposium in Lagos that moderate intake of beer helps in preventing some health challenges.

He explained that virtually all processes contributing to cardio-vascular diseases are beneficially handled in the process of making beer. According to him, some of the inherent advantages of beer include low percentage of alcohol, large quantities of water which helps in rehydration, a good source of minerals and polyphenolic antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory xanthohumoles; and a large variety of raw materials, like gluten-free rich in fibers.

He added that beer contains low concentrations of alcohol and a large number of additional ingredients that are associated with health. Moderate beer/alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk for metabolic diseases, viz. cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The beneficial effects of moderate beer/ alcohol consumption are mediated by improvements in lipid (cholesterol) metabolism, blood clotting and glucose metabolism,” he said.

Also speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tony Agenmomen, Senior Strategy Manager, Nigerian Breweries and Professor Emevwo Biakolo of the Pan Atlantic University Lagos, submitted that moderate beer intake in the elderly appears to be associated with significantly longer survival in men aged 60–74 years and in all elderly women.