Beer Offers Heart Health Benefits

Numerous studies have shown a link between red wine and heart health benefits. Now, researchers with the Research Laboratories at the Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura in Italy have released a study suggesting that beer may also be beneficial to heart health.

The findings were published in the European Journal of Epidemiology on November 11, 2011.

This meta-analysis examined 16 studies published through March 2011. Twelve of the studies directly compared the cardiovascular effects of wine and beer while the other four examined one or the other alcohol.

The researchers found that one glass of wine per day lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 31%. Two glasses of beer per day lowered the risk of cardiovascular disease by 42%.

The researchers noted that the heart health benefits associated with beer disappeared with high consumption. They recommend that beer be consumed in moderation and combined with healthy foods.

Previous studies have linked beer with raising HDL (or “good”) blood pressure, protecting against type 2 diabetes, and preventing dementia. Researchers believe that these positive health benefits are a result of the vitamins, minerals, and alcohol present in beer.