Moderate beer consumption is good for the heart and bones, research shows.
A study of 70,000 women aged 25-42 analyzed the link between beer consumption and high blood pressure. The results show that those who drink a moderate amount, a glass of beer, have lower blood pressure than women who drink wine or other alcohol.
Moderate consumption of the drink has a beneficial effect on raising the level of "good" cholesterol, as well as reducing the risk of heart attack - the risk is reduced by almost 30%.
Beer contains vitamin B6 and folic acid, which help prevent the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. High levels of the amino acid can damage blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Consumption of beer, whether dark or light, prevents the loss of bone mineral density, according to a study by the School of Nutrition Tufts.
The content of some ingredients, such as silicon, in the drink make it possible to deposit calcium and other minerals in the bone tissue. This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. However, excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of bone fractures, says Catherine Tucker of the research team.