Moderate intake of beer lowers risk of heart disease

Moderate intake of beer lowers risk of heart disease

    Beer drinkers have something to cheer about if a recent report is to be believed, which says, the consumption of beer in moderate quantities (that means one to two glasses only!) could reduce the risk of heart disease. The findings are based on a metaanalysis of several different studies conducted worldwide from over 200,000 people’s drinking habits, conducted by Italy’s Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura. It showed that moderate consumption of beer decreases drinkers’ risk of heart disease by 31%, just as much as moderate consumption of wine.
WHY BEER IS GOOD Cardiologist Dr Hasmukh Ravat says, “Beers are virtually fat and fibre free,and contain some protein. Most provide some carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins – including folic acid – which can lower homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a possible risk factor for heart disease.”
    A series of scientific studies suggests that the polyphenolic compounds in red wine or beer, such as flavonoids and resveratrol, may play an active role in limiting the start and progression of the hardening of arteries. One of the most important alterations caused by regular alcohol consumption is an increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or ‘good cholesterol’. One to two drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12%.
EXERCISE CAUTION Excessive alcohol use can lead to liver cirrhosis, cancers, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, motor vehicle accidents, and addiction. Naturally, increasing alcohol consumption for the purposes of cardio protection is not justified.