To some, the idea that beer is nutritious is a dream come true! I am one of these people. With all of the conflicting information out there, it is difficult to know what is what.

Beer generally has a bad reputation. Associated with bloated beer-bellies and pizza, the high carbohydrate content condemns beer as a source of weight-gain. However, as a light-weight competitive rower, my experience with beer does not measure up to this image whatsoever. Being fairly health-conscious, I observe no apparent adverse effects such as weight gain or otherwise, by the regular consumption of beer. Contrary, my observations are quite the opposite!

There is nothing more satiating than a tall beer after a race. The effects of beer that I experience I find to be consistently positive (with the exception of occasional moments of regrettable over-consumption!). It makes sense that beer is so satiating. In ways, beer parallels some of the components of a sports drink: containing carbohydrate, sodium and fluid, beer can perform a function similar to a sports drink by replenishing glycogen energy stores, sodium lost through sweat, as well as quench thirst.

Yet there are some differences. An obvious difference is that a sports drink does not contain alcohol. In fact, I found that the presence of alcohol in beer is one of the foremost elements of debate over whether or not it can be deemed healthy. Arguments range from perspectives on dehydration, to arguments highlighting the health-benefits of alcohol. My question is, is the percentage of alcohol found in beer: 1) unhealthy; 2) if unhealthy, is the content of alcohol high enough to counteract its positive nutritional attributes?

The amount of alcohol content in beer ranges from 4-7% per volume, which is fairly low. It is slightly higher than the alcohol content range found in trendy, fermented health-beverages such as Kombucha at 0.5-1.5% per volume, yet lower than table wine with a range of 9-15% per volume.

There are many studies that support and illustrate the health benefits of consuming alcohol, in moderation. Alcohol has been associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease, a decrease in coronary heart disease, as well as improving health and longevity. In moderation, it has also been associated with many other health-promoting attributes worthy of notice. (Moderation= 1-3 drinks per day).

However like caffeine, alcohol has diuretic properties. Usually diuretics are associated with dehydration because of their fluid-eliminating properties. Diuretics work by triggering the kidneys to increase the sodium elimination content in urine.

Sodium is a macro-mineral that helps to regulate the balance of fluid levels in the cell and in the fluid surrounding the cell. By decreasing the sodium content of blood, the level of fluid in the blood will thus decrease in order to maintain a balance between the cell and surrounding environment. Sometimes diuretics, called ‘water pills’, are used to treat some health conditions such as hypertension, glaucoma, and edema (sever water retention).

Beverages that have a diuretic characteristic such as coffee or beer, also contain fluids which can be hydrating; beer having a fluid content of 93%. Depending on the hydration-status of the individual at the moment of consumption, the ratio of fluid/sodium content to diuretic effect may balance itself out. Of course it makes sense that the over consumption of a diuretic without sufficient fluid replenishment may cause dehydration.

Alcohol is also a known depressant which means it has sedative properties (it does not mean that it causes emotional depression). A depressant is a chemical agent that decreases the function or activity of a specific part of the body. In moderation, this effect can contribute to temporary decreased stress or tension. Over-consumption, however, can result in loss of motor skills, impaired judgement, liver damage and possibly death by alcohol-poisining.*

Other than the 4-7% per volume presence of alcohol, carbohydrates and fluid in beer, there are also many minerals and vitamins. Depending on which grain used, and how it was fermented, there is a wide range of varying nutritional contents that could be present in beer.

Undeniably, beer has health-benefitting potential. Having considered some facts about the alcohol and diuretic components to beer, it is clear that there is potential for a negative impact to health when consumed excessively. But it seems that it is safe to make the conclusion when exercising moderation, we can reap the nutritional benefits of beer!

*Where there are health concerns a medical professional should always be contacted for advice. Alcoholism is a serious disease and the suggestions contained in this article do not apply.

References:

Campbell's Biology: Concepts and connections

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diuretics/hi00030

Photo in this hub by Jessica Ann Jacobs, copyright 2009. visit www.jessicaannjacobs.com