The findings are based on a meta-analysis of several different studies conducted worldwide from over 200,000 people's drinking habits, conducted by Italy's Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura. It showed that moderate consumption of beer decreases drinkers' risk of heart disease by 31 per cent, just as much as moderate consumption of wine.
Published online by the European Journal of Epidemiology, the study gives beer drinkers a chance to level the scores with oenophiles who have occasionally slammed the drinking habits of beer lovers.
Why beer is good for you Cardiologist Dr Hasmukh Ravat says, "Beers are virtually fat and fibre free, and contain some protein. Most provide some carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins — including folic acid — which can lower homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a possible risk factor for heart disease."
Beer also contains natural antioxidants. Phenolics (similar to antioxidants found in red wine) and compounds known as melanoidins, formed when barley or malt is heated, give very characteristic colours and flavours to beers. A series of scientific studies suggests that the polyphenolic compounds in red wine or beer, such as flavonoids and resveratrol, may play an active role in limiting the start and progression of the hardening of arteries.
One of the most important alterations caused by regular alcohol consumption is an increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good cholesterol." One to two drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12 per cent. Contd. from pg 1
Exercise caution Obviously, there is a catch. Too much alcohol consumption has repeatedly shown to contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy (which develops when the heart muscle becomes too weak to pump blood effectively), high blood pressure, and certain electrical disturbances of the heartbeat. Excessive alcohol use can also lead to liver cirrhosis, cancers, pancreatitis, neurological disorders, motor vehicle accidents, and addiction. Naturally, increasing alcohol consumption for the purposes of cardio protection is not justified. Seek the advice of a physician to make a recommendation about its consumption and understand the potential risks and benefits. Physician Dr Altaf Patel concludes with words of caution, "Don't encourage teetotalers to drink. It can be disastrous, and those that like to drink should switch to milder alcohol like beer and wine, and consume it within appropriate limits."
