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Researchers from Dalian Medical University in China indicated that drinking alcohol in moderation can improve general well-being. Specifically, beer increases the body’s immune system by the healthy bacteria that benefit the intestine, increasing their growth.
Plus, the polyphenols, fiber, and ethanol in beer are key ingredients for supercharging your immune system. The researchers noted that these are more effective than probiotics as long as they are consumed in moderation.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help restore the natural balance in the intestine, indicates the National Health Service of the United Kingdom (NIH, for its acronym in English). Especially in cases of illness when the body fights against bad bacteria. These are found in drinks like Kombucha, and foods like cheese and yogurt.
In the case of beer contains essential amino acids, vitamins, trace elements and bioactive substances that regulate many human physiological functions, as noted by the authors. Polyphenols in beer malt and hops are important active compounds that interact with the gut microbiome.
Results from human and animal studies revealed that moderate beer drinking is beneficial to the immune system compared to states of abuse or withdrawal. However, they warned that These results apply to those who have a light or moderate consumption.
For his part, the professor of cardiovascular and metabolic health at the University of Glasgow told the newspaper The Telegraph that “it is true that some of the ingredient content of beer can have positive health impacts, but the alcohol itself easily outweighs them.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that drinking alcohol in excess is harmful to your health. In the United States, 140,000 people died from this cause from 2015 to 2019, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 26 years.
In addition, they pointed out that excessive alcohol consumption was responsible for one in five deaths of adults between 20 and 49 years of age. This seemingly harmless activity increases the risk of serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer.
How much should be consumed
Both the CDC and the NHS recommend that adults drink no more than 14 units each week, that is, six pints of beer or a bottle and a half of wine. They also recommend taking a break from drinking for at least three days to avoid binge eating. The American health service makes a difference in the case of women by recommending that they only drink seven units.
A standard alcoholic drink includes:
- 12 ounces of beer with 5% alcohol content
- 8 ounces of malt liquor with 7% alcohol content
- 5 ounces of wine with 12% alcohol content
- 1.5 ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits, 40% alcohol content: including rum, gin, vodka, or whiskey
Excessive drinking includes the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women or persons under the age of 21. Drinking too much alcohol is defined as having eight or more drinks a week and 15 or more for men. It is worth noting that the people who engage in this type of practice are not alcoholics nor are they dependent on it.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans define moderate drinking as 1 drink or less per day for women and 2 drinks or less per day for men.
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