Whether you prefer light, effervescent pilsners or creative craft IPAs, sometimes a cold beer at the end of the day just tastes good. We've covered the health impact of daily wine and alcohol consumption, but what about beer? Humans have been drinking beer in some form since the Stone Age. It can't be all bad for us, right? (Right?)
Some research has shown that moderate beer drinking can improve heart health, specifically by boosting the good cholesterol in the blood, explains Destini Moody, R.D., the founder of The Athlete’s Dietitian and an expert on the panel of Garage Gym Reviews. (Moderate alcohol consumption, by the way, is defined as one drink a day or less for women and two drinks a day or less for men, per the CDC.)
But it’s tricky because drinking more than “moderately” negates these health benefits and can expose you to the negative effects of alcohol, Moody says, including the risk of cancer, fat gain, and liver disease. In fact, an Advisory published by the U.S. Surgeon General earlier this year says that alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer in the U.S. and that it contributes to almost 100,000 cancer cases—and about 20,000 cancer-related deaths—annually.
Curious if it’s still healthy to crack open a can of beer every night with dinner or pour yourself a pint after work? Here’s what the experts have to say about the health effects of beer.
Is It Healthy To Drink A Beer Every Day?
Drinking a beer regularly can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but moderation is key, says dietitian René Ficek, R.D. and owner of Seattle Sutton's Healthy Eating. “Consuming beer in moderation can fit into a healthy diet, but daily consumption isn’t recommended for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or those taking medications that interact with alcohol,” she says.
Moody says she wouldn’t go so far as to say a daily beer is "healthy." While there’s some research showing moderate beer drinking has some health benefits, it’s not exactly a healthy habit, especially when you consider that alcohol doesn’t have any nutritional value.
Are There Any Health Benefits of Beer?
Beer, especially certain types like darker ales and stouts, can offer some benefits, Ficek says.
That’s because it contains antioxidants like polyphenols, primarily from hops and grains, which may help protect against heart disease, she explains. Beer also has small amounts of B vitamins, minerals (like magnesium and potassium), and dietary silicon, which is linked to bone health.
What Are The Health Concerns Associated With A Daily Beer?
Consuming daily alcohol of any kind comes with its risks. According to the recent Advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, consuming less than one drink per week increases alcohol-related cancer risk by 16.5% for women and 10% for men.
Regularly consuming beer can increase your risk of several health issues, according to dietitians.
Over time, even moderate alcohol intake may lead to an increased risk of certain cancers (such as breast and colorectal cancer), high blood pressure, and weight gain due to the extra calories, Ficek says. Daily drinking can also interfere with sleep and can contribute to dehydration if you’re not drinking enough water.
Alcohol dependency can also become a concern if you’re struggling to limit the number of alcoholic beverages you’re drinking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What Types of Beer Are The "Healthiest?"
Beers with lower alcohol content and less added sugars are generally better choices, Ficek says.
Light beers tend to have fewer calories and less alcohol, reducing the potential negative health impacts. Beers brewed with minimal additives and more natural ingredients may also be slightly healthier, she says.
Craft beers with more natural brewing processes and higher levels of polyphenols, like certain ales and stouts, could offer slight antioxidant benefits.
One more thing to keep in mind: Research conducted on the potential health benefits of alcohol was conducted on drinks with an ABV of 5% or lower, Moody points out, and some beers have a higher ABV.
“Considering the negative and inflammatory impact of alcohol on the body’s systems as a whole, it makes sense that those with a lower alcohol content are less harmful than stronger beers,” she says.
Are There Any Benefits To Drinking Beer After Exercising?
Some marathoners will crack open a can of beer at the end of a race, and hikers may enjoy a cold one at the summit. But are there any benefits to drinking beer after a workout?
After intense exercise, the primary focus should be on rehydration, replenishing electrolytes, and consuming protein and carbohydrates to support recovery, Ficek says.
“While a cold beer may be enjoyable, it’s not the most effective recovery drink,” she says. “Beer is a diuretic, which can contribute to dehydration.”
In moderation, a post-workout beer can offer a small amount of carbohydrates and even some antioxidants, she says, but be sure to balance your brew with proper hydration and a recovery meal.
