March 17th is St. Patty’s Day and what better way to celebrate Irish cheer then with an ice cold beer. It’s easy to think of beer as a contributor to obesity and other health related problems – which is true if you’re drinking more than a pint every day. But with moderation, beer can actually be good for you!
Dr. Curtis Ellison, professor of public health at the Boston University School of Medicine confirms, “People should realize that a little bit of alcohol on a regular basis decreases the risks of aging.” Moderate consumption of alcohol, including beer, raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which is the “good” cholesterol as well as protects against Type II diabetes by positively effecting blood vessel lining making them less likely to clot and rupture/plug an artery.
What’s more, a National Institute of Health study found that moderate drinking may protect men from cardiovascular related death. The study found that men who consumed alcohol 120 – 365 days per year have a 20% lower cardiovascular death rate than men who drank 1-36 days a year. And, as expected, drinking too much too often has the reverse effect: men consuming 5+ drinks every time they indulged possessed a 30% greater risk for a heart-related death. Beer may also give the brain a boost! In a 2003 study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, adult age 65+ who consumed 1-6 alcoholic beverages within a week had lower risk of dementia than non-drinkers or heavy drinks.[1]
So which is the right brew to cheers with this St. Patty’s Day? With all the options out there it’s easy to get swayed by careful marketing from the shape of the bottle to who is on the label. The micro-brew business is booming helping you to find everything from organic to gluten-free beers.
GUINNESS
“Guinness is good for you!” is the old slogan used by the brewing company. Once upon a time in the emerald isles Guinness was give to post-op patients based on the notion that Guinness was fortified with iron as well as give to expectant mothers because of its’ nutritional value. (Neither of these are true!). A recent University of Wisconsin study did confirm however that it reduced clotting in narrow arteries.[2] In a 20oz pint you’ll get:
Calories: 155
Fat: 0
Carbs: 12g
Alcohol: 6%
NEW PLANET TREAD LIGHTLY ALE
This brew hails from Colorado, the Mecca of microbrews. The best part? It’s gluten-free and low in calories! Tread Lightly Ale is a well-balanced gluten-free ale beer made from sorghum, corn extract, orange peel, hops, and yeast. It’s a bright and light bodied craft beer with a refreshing taste and doesn’t have the after taste of other sorghum-based beers[3]. It comes in 4 and 6 packs. In a 12oz bottle you’ll find:
Calories: 125
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 14g
Alcohol: 5%
LINDEMEN’S LAMBIC BELGIAN ALE
This low-calorie, low-carb ale hails exclusively from the Pajottenland region of Belgium. Lambic ale differs from traditional ales because it is produced by spontaneous fermentation exposing it to wild yeasts and bacteria native to the Senne Valley, Belgium. This process gives the ale its distinctive flavor which is dry and cidery.[4] Lindeman’s comes in Peche (peach), Pomme (Apple) and Framboise (raspberry) flavors. Supermarkets like Trader Joe’s and Wegman’s carry Lindeman’s as well as liquor stores with vast selections. In 16oz you’ll get:
Calories: 64
Fat: 0 g
Carbs: 0g
Alcohol: 4%
NEW BELGIUM’S SUNSHINE WHEAT
This pale wheat ale is perfect for those Dads who hate the bitterness of hoppy bears. Often paired with a fresh lemon or orange slice, Sunshine Wheat is lighter than full-bodied heffeweizens (that’s the common name used when referring to wheat beers) with hints of coriander, orange peel and tones of apple and honey.[5] It comes in 6 packs, 12 packs, and now even cans! In 12oz you’ll find:
Calories: 145
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 13g
Alcohol: 4.8%
BISON BREWING’S BISON IPA
For all those Irishmen who love a hoppy beer, try Bison IPA, an organic beer hailing from Berkeley, CA. This IPA uses sustainably produced raw ingredients; the hops and malt used to make this beer are free of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and thus the raw materials used to make the beer contribute to less environmental pollution. It’s available in 6 packs, 22oz bottles and kegs. In 12 oz you’ll get:
Calories: 228
Fat: 0g
Carbs: 0g
Alcohol: 6%
we’re releasing. Scientific research over the last several decades has led to the revolutionary discovery of these opiate-like chemicals in the body that associate with opiate specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord. There are three neurotransmitters responsible for the euphoria:
Getting adequate exposure to sunlight on a daily basis. Studies have proven that being exposed to light helps with depression and stimulates serotonin production by counteracting the production of melatonin—a hormone created by darkness that induces sleep.
Ensuring enough vitamin B6 in your diet. B6 helps to convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin. Try to eat a diet that is full of fish, fruit, vegetables, legumes, and nuts as well as has low amounts of sugar and alcohol. An example would be a Mediterranean diet which is high in folates and B6. Both are helpful nutrients that stimulate serotonin conversion in the body.
These foods hike insulin levels, thereby disturbing body’s hormonal balance. Also, such foods are high in macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, and protein) but low on micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (FOUND IN YOUR VEGGIES!), which signal the brain to send messages. Foods rich in fiber and micronutrients (create feelings of satiety, thereby decreasing hunger and appetite. The state of optimum nourishment also removes the desire to overeat. You end up being trim, healthy, and happy.