Does beer have any health benefits? Photo: Getty Images
The potential health benefits of wine have been in and out of the news for years with studies telling us something different on an almost monthly basis. In fact, only last week there was a study reporting that a glass of wine is equal to an hour in the gym.
But while there has been much deliberation about the health benefits of wine, beer has been largely ignored – until now.
Writing for the American Chemical Society, scientists have suggested that a compound found in beer could protect brain cells from damage and potentially fend off both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
The compound, which is found in hops, an ingredient in beer, is called xanthohumol and has already been investigated for its potential benefits, including antioxidation, cardiovascular protection and anti-cancer properties.
In the latest round of investigations, scientists have been investigating xanthohumol’s effect on brain cells.
In lab tests, researchers found that xanthohumol could protect neuronal cells and potentially help slow the development of brain disorders. They concluded the compound could, therefore, be a potential candidate for the prevention of neurodegenerative disorders.
Although it might seem like great news for beer lovers, experts caution the research has a long way to go.
Dr Tina Lam , from the National Drug Research Institute, says there are some serious methodological flaws with the research and warns that any benefits need to be carefully weighted against the negative effects of alcohol itself.
Crucially, Lam notes that when it comes to alcohol, moderation is always key.
“Stay within the national drinking guidelines of no more than two standard drinks in a single sitting to reduce risk of long-term harms such as cancer, heart conditions and stroke, and no more than four standard drinks on a single occasion to reduce short-term risks such as accidents and injuries,” she advises.
But, even without the potential health benefits, craft beer has been enjoying a huge surge in popularity and many wine lovers have been converted, particularly women.
Mairead Kennedy runs a craft beer shop and is the director of Eight Degrees Brewing. She says the number of women in the brewing industry has increased and this has made craft beer more accessible to women.
“Dedicated craft beer venues are more female friendly. They rarely have sports TVs or poker machines and have greater emphasis on food and social interaction,” she says.
In addition to this, she notes craft beer has been making its way on to the menus of good restaurants, with some even going as far as recommending specific styles with different courses.
Another factor that could be contributing to the popularity of craft beer is the huge variation on offer.
“Every time you buy a beer, you can try something different. There are new breweries launching all the time and new imports coming from all over the world,” Ms Kennedy enthuses.
“Brewers have the ability to be very creative with flavours and can vary their ingredients in a way that a wine makercannot,” she says.
In terms of potential health benefits, Ms Kennedy is less evangelical. However, she does think that if enjoyed in moderation, beer is unlikely to be harmful.
She notes there are good gluten-free and low-alcohol beers available. So, while drinking beer might not necessarily protect you from degenerative brain disorders, it won’t make you bloat – and surely that counts for something.