'Beer 'nutritious' if consumed in moderation'

New Delhi, Jan 28: If you absolutely can't do without alcohol, beer might be your best bet! Though Red wine has staked out its territory as the 'healthy' alcoholic beverage, 'Beer' is also not far behind.

A study currently being conducted at the University of Western Ontario says that beer, if taken in moderation, can do wonders for one's health.

''The question here is of the quantity. Beer can definitely help reduce stress and anxiety if taken in moderation. So, 12 ounces of beer everyday can definitely be of help,'' says Dr Upendra Kaul, Director Cardiology, Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.

Beer is made from grains, water and yeast. The grains commonly used are barley and wheat (with cheaper, mass-produced beers relying on corn and rice), both of which are loaded with vitamins that survive the fermentation and filtering processes.

And the vitamin value of the yeast is conserved in the hundreds of unfiltered beers that are in the market both on tap and in bottles.

Beer, like wine, lowers cholesterol levels.

But don't get out that keg yet. For, while up to three beers may help lower cholestrol, more than that may lead to heightened anxiety levels, say doctors.

Whether you prefer ales, lagers, stout, bitter or wheat beers, studies show that one drink a day for women or up to two drinks a day for men will reduce chances of strokes, heart and vascular diseases.

A pint of beer may help prevent heart disease more effectively than red wine or spirits, researchers have found.

Beer contains vitamin B6, which prevents the build-up of Homocysteine, a chemical thought to increase the risk of heart disease.

According to the same study, beer has a lot of positive effects, especially on the elderly. Besides reducing the risk of kidney stones, its consumption helps increase the level of Vitamin B6.

Beer provides a 30 per cent increase in Vitamin B6, something that neither wine nor any other liquor does.

Moderate beer consumption may also help prevent Osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile.

A compound found only in hops, which are used to make beer, have been discovered to prevent cancer.

Beer, in moderation, can be part of a ''low-carb'' diet and a potential good source of soluble fiber and prebiotic substances that promote digestion, according to Dr Sakshi Chawla, Consultant Dietician, Fortis Noida.

''Beer, if taken in moderation, is definitely better and beneficial than other hard liquor because of its composition,'' she says.

''It is 90 per cent water and 10 per cent barley grains and yeast. It has loads of benefits like flushing out kidney stones and preventing diabetes,'' says Dr Sakshi.

Beer also battles diabetes. Studies have found that the risk of Type II diabetes is reduced by one-third to one-half among moderate beer drinkers when compared to non-drinkers.

UNI