Beer is one of the oldest and most widely consumed alcoholic drinks in the world, and the third most popular drink overall after water and tea. It is produced by the brewing and fermentation of starches, mainly derived from cereal grains—most commonly from malted barley, though wheat, maize (corn), rice, and oats are also used. During the brewing process, fermentation of the starch sugars in the wort produces ethanol and carbonation in the resulting beer.^[rx] Most modern beer is brewed with hops, which add bitterness and other flavors and act as a natural preservative and stabilizing agent. Other flavoring agents such as gruit, herbs, or fruits may be included or used instead of hops. In commercial brewing, the natural carbonation effect is often removed during processing and replaced with forced carbonation.^[rx]

 

Beer is an alcoholic beverage that is made from the brewing method that contains starch fermentation which is the derivative of malted barley, maize, wheat, and rice. Hops are used as a flavoring agent that acts as a natural preservative and adds bitterness to the beer. Brewing is the process that is used to make beer. It converts the source of starch to sugary liquid which is known as wort and this wort is turned into an alcoholic beer known to be beer by the fermentation process. The brewing process clarifies the fluid and gives a bright color to the beer. It is available in cans and bottles. The taste of the beer differs according to the varieties. Light and dark beers could be found in the market. Beer ranks third position on the world’s popular drink after water and tea. It is regarded to be quite an old fermented drink. Beer is a beverage that has a low content of alcohol and has the ability to hydrate the body during the summer season. Ales and lagers vary in the composition, color, and content of alcohol. All types of beer use malt, water, yeast, and hops as the basic components.

BEER FACTS

History

Beer is considered the oldest beverage that dates back to 9500 BC or early Neolithic farmed cereal which was recorded in the history of ancient Egypt and ancient Iraq. It was figured out by archaeologists that beer was involved on the speculate that beer was instrumental in the development of civilizations. Before 5000 years, workers were paid in beer in the city of Uruk. The workers got a limited supply of five liters of beer while building Great Pyramids in Giza (Egypt) that provide them nutrition with refreshment which is vital for the construction of pyramids. Beer reached Europe as far as 3000 BC by Celtic and Germanic tribes. The early European beers contain fruits, various plants, honey, spices, and narcotic herbs. Later hops were added that were mentioned in Europe Carolingian Abbot in 822 and Abbess Hildegard of Bingen in 1067 by.

Nutritional value

One can measure 356 grams covers 327.38 grams of moisture, 153 calories, 1.64 protein, 0.57 ash, and 12.64 carbohydrates. It also offers 0.164 mg of vitamin B6, 1.826 mg of niacin, 12.64 g of carbohydrate, 50 mg of phosphorus, 0.089 mg of riboflavin, 36 mg of choline, 21 µg of folate, 21 µg of magnesium, 157.4 µg of fluoride, 2.1 µg of selenium, 1.64 g of protein, 0.146 mg of Vitamin B5, 0.07 µg Vitamin B12, 96 mg of potassium, 0.018 mg of copper, 0.018 mg of Vitamin B1, 14 mg of calcium, 0.028 mg of manganese, 14 mg of sodium, 0.07 mg of iron and 0.04 mg of zinc.

Minerals	Amount	% DV
Calcium, Ca	14 mg	1.40%
Iron, Fe	0.07 mg	0.88%
Magnesium, Mg	21 mg	5.00%
Phosphorus, P	50 mg	7.14%
Potassium, K	96 mg	2.04%
Sodium, Na	14 mg	0.93%
Zinc, Zn	0.04 mg	0.36%
Copper, Cu	0.018 mg	2.00%
Manganese, Mn	0.028 mg	1.22%
Selenium, Se	2.1 µg	3.82%
Fluoride	157.4 µg	3.94%

Vitamins	Amount	% DV
Water-soluble Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.018 mg	1.50%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.089 mg	6.85%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.826 mg	11.41%
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)	0.146 mg	2.92%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	0.164 mg	12.62%
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	21 µg	5.25%
Folic Acid	0 µg	N/D
Folate, food	21 µg	N/D
Folate, DEF	21 µg	N/D
Choline	36 mg	6.55%
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine)	0.07 µg	2.92%

Amino acids	Amount	% DV
Alanine	0.043 g	N/D
Aspartic acid	0.057 g	N/D
Glutamic acid	0.167 g	N/D
Glycine	0.046 g	N/D
Proline	0.125 g	N/D

Other	Amount	% DV
Alcohol, ethyl	13.9 g	N/D

Flavan-3-ols	Amount	% DV
(+)-Catechin	1.4 mg	N/D
(-)-Epicatechin	0.3 mg	N/D
(+)-Gallocatechin	0.3 mg	N/D

Flavonols	Amount	% DV
Kaempferol	2.9 mg	N/D
Myricetin	0.1 mg	N/D
Quercetin	0.1 mg	N/D

Proanthocyanidin	Amount	% DV
Proanthocyanidin dimers	2.9 mg	N/D
Proanthocyanidin trimers	0.6 mg	N/D
Proanthocyanidin 4-6mers	1.2 mg	N/D

*Above mentioned Percent Daily Values (%DVs) are based on 2,000 calorie diet intake. Daily values (DVs) may be different depending upon your daily calorie needs. Mentioned values are recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are not rxharun.com recommendations. Calculations are based on average age of 19 to 50 years and weigh 194 lbs. Source: https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ 

Health Benefits of Beer

Beer contains antioxidant properties that help to increase the density of bones, prevent coronary disease, dementia, lowers cardiovascular ailments, and assist digestion. It possesses anti-aging properties of kidney stones, gallstones, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis. In Europe and North America, mostly the people prefer wines with meals. It contains more Vitamin B and protein in comparison to wines. While brewing beer, hops are used to brew beer that is a great source of flavonoids and possesses antioxidant properties.

1. Anti-cancer activity

Xanthohumol is a flavonoid that is available in shops that are mostly used to brew beer. It also helps to prevent cancer such as prostate cancer. The study shows that it is an excellent source of polyphenols because of the grains which are used for the fermentation of beer. It also effectively fights cancer such as red wine. (1)

2. Lowers cardiovascular ailments

Vitamin B6 is found in beer that helps to prevent heart ailments by eliminating the buildup of homocysteine. It prevents the development of clots that blocks the coronary arteries. It has blood-thinning properties. It should be consumed in moderate amounts which lower the chances of inflammation, atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the artery walls and blood vessels.

3. Density of bones

The consumption of beer in moderate amounts helps to raise the density of bones by preventing the chances of osteoporosis and fractures.

4. Treats diabetes

The study shows that moderate intake of beer lowers the chances of type 2 diabetes.

5. Prevents anemia

Beer is an excellent source of folic acid and Vitamin B12. Its deficiency results in anemia. The presence of Vitamin B12 is vital for memory, concentration, and normal growth.

6. Hypertension

The blood pressure could be reduced with a daily intake of beer in comparison to the people who consume other spirits or wines.

7. Anti-aging activity

Beer has the ability to raise potency as well as the Vitamin E impact that acts as an antioxidant in the body. It helps to maintain skin health that also slows down the process of aging.

8. Gallstones

The daily intake of beer in limited amounts affects the level of cholesterol and reduces the concentration of bile that also lowering the chances of gallstones formations.

9. Prevent dementia

The intake of the beer enhances the HDL cholesterol levels by about 10 to 20% and also lowers the chances of cardiovascular ailments and dementia.

10. Digestion

Beer assists in digestion that stimulates the gastrin, cholecystokinin, gastric acid, and pancreatic enzymes.

11. Osteoporosis

Beer is low in sodium and rich in potassium. It is an excellent source of magnesium that lowers the chances of kidney stones formation. Beer has silicon in it which the body absorbs and prevents the chances of osteoporosis.

12. Lowers stress

Beer helps to lower stress and provides sound sleep.

13. Diuretic properties

Beer has diuretic properties which increase urination in people. It helps to eliminate the waste materials and toxins from the body.

14. Gastrointestinal health

Beer is an excellent source of soluble fibers that promote overall health. It cleanses the digestive tract and is beneficial for the heart.

Traditional uses     

It is an aid for insomnia. The intake of warm beer before sleep helps to slow the nervous system and relax.

Precautions  

1. Hinders level of Blood sugar

The intake of beer hinders the level of blood sugar. Livers help to convert glycogen which is reserved as glucose and released into the bloodstream. Beer has alcohol that may obstruct this process.  It generates hunger pangs which makes the person consume the food. It could result in weight gain. So meals should be consumed properly before taking beer.

2. High calories

Though the beer has low nutrients it is packed with calories. This results in the burning of low calories than normal. The liver converts the alcohol of the beer into acetate. The acetate is burned by the body for energy and surplus fat has remained in the belly or hips.

3. Diuretic

A beer possesses soothing properties. Beer slows down the release of antidiuretic hormones that assist to absorb the fluid by the body. The intake of beer results in frequent urination. It is not beneficial for athletics. The fluid is lost through sweat and urination.

4. Insensitivity to gluten

Most of the beer contains malted barley that has gluten which is a protein. Some might be sensitive to gluten so they should choose gluten-free beer.

5. Cardiovascular problems

The limited intake of beer is helpful for the heart but cardiovascular patients should avoid it because it worsens the condition of heart problems.

6. Increase the level of blood pressure

The high intake of beer for a day can result in a piercing in the level of blood pressure. One should consume only two glasses of beer to maintain control over the blood pressure level.

7. Heartburn

Some stimulants found in beer work with gastric acid that results in gastro-oesophageal reflux and also causes heartburn.

8. Beer belly

The excessive intake of beer provides a beer belly that is rigid and very troublesome to eliminate. So the people should not drink beer who wants to have a slim waist.

9. Hangover and intoxication

The high intake of beer also affects the motor skills and nerves which could result in accidents.

10. Interact with medications

Erythromycin and sedative interact with the beer which could be harmful to the health. The antibiotics may also interact with beer which could result in the side effects such as vomiting and headache.

Other Facts        

• Beer is considered the second popular drink.
• Beer is a signature drink in Belgium, Austria, Germany, Ireland, France, the UK, Scandinavian countries, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Spain.
• Beer contains carbohydrates, protein and is free of fat.
• During the middle ages, people preferred beer to water because the water was difficult to find.
• The beer is paid to alcoholics in Amsterdam for cleaning streets.
• It is believed that beer prevents the declination of cognitive and cardiac diseases.
• In Russia since 2013, beer is regarded as an alcoholic beverage.
• In Africa, beer is prepared from bananas.
• One gallon of beer was paid to the Egyptian pyramid workers per day.
• The recipe for beer was made by Sumerians which is about 4000 years old.
• About 67.5% of alcohol is contained in the strongest beer in the world.
• Belgium’s La Vieille Bon Secours ale is the most costly beer in the world that costs upto £700 for a bottle.

References

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