Let's be honest, we're all looking for an excuse to indulge in the good stuff mid-week. Well, today is your lucky day! It's #NationalBeerDay (April 7th), and if that's not a good enough excuse for you, we can do one better - it's also good for your health! We know know... it sounds like a stretch. But it's official! And we've got 5 reasons to prove it.
1. It's good for your heart
Studies have shown that, similar to red wine, beer (specifically dark ales and stouts) contains antioxidants that are great for your cardiovascular health. Sipping on the occasional brew will lower your cholesterol and decrease your risk of stroke. But remember, moderation is key. The same studies shows that risk of heart disease increased in people who consumed higher amounts of beer.
2. It can help protect against Alzheimer's Disease
Certain ingredients in beer can help protect the brain from harmful levels of aluminum, which is thought to be a major cause of Alzheimer's. Moderate beer drinkers are 23% LESS likely to suffer from this debilitating disease, so drink up!
3. It promotes bone health
Forget the milk, pass the ale! Beer has proven to help strengthen bones, and prevent diseases like Osteoporosis. Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon, which is the ingredient that builds strong bones. So reach for an IPA, why don't ya?!
4. It reduces your risk of kidney stones
Beer drinkers benefit from a reduced kidney stone risk of 41% because the alcohol acts as a diuretic. Drinking beer stimulates the kidneys to work harder to excrete the by-products of alcohol metabolism and this allows you to urinate more frequently, thus cleansing the system - so order that 2nd one!
5. It makes you happy
We know, you probable already knew that. Nothing beats sipping a cold one in the sun after a long day, but it's actually more scientific than that. That euphoric feeling isn't just because you're finally relaxing, beer releases dopamine and endorphins in your brain. Cheers to that!
Now that we've given you the facts, it's in your best interest to crack one today. You know what they say... a pint a day, keeps the doctor away. Ok, they don't say it, but we do. :) Cheers to health!
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