June 17, 2022 — A pilot study on men published in the ACS Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows that beer positively affects intestinal microbes when consumed in moderation. According to the study, drinking a beer a day, with or without alcohol, reduces the risk of suffering from various chronic diseases, as it increases the variety of bacteria in the gut.
NutritionInsight speaks with Ana Faria, assistant professor with aggregation at NOVA Medical School at the New University of Lisbon and principal investigator of the study.
“Our study shows that beer is a complex product made of ingredients that can modulate our gut with a positive impact. Products with this nutritional richness and little or no alcohol are very interesting to include as part of a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. “
Previous studies have shown that when there are more types of intestinal bacteria, people tend to be less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and other chronic diseases. Intestinal health has also received a lot of attention over the last decade. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the holistic connections between the gut and general health received more attention.
How much is too much? Consuming a beer a day can increase the variety of bacteria in the gut. Beer contains microorganisms from its fermentation, polyphenols and other compounds that can affect the variety of intestinal microbes. Microorganisms in the human gastrointestinal tract have a direct impact on well-being.
“We know that the microbiota can be modulated by food components, such as phytochemicals, postbiotics and fiber, among others. Beer is a rich source of all these components derived from the fermentation of cereals and the extraction of hops, “says Faria.
The study concludes that consuming one beer a day increases intestinal bacterial diversity. At the same time, body weight, body fat mass, and serum cardiometabolic markers for heart health and metabolism remained unchanged.
Although no clear distinction could be made between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers in intestinal health. However, researchers point out that the safest way to drink alcohol is not to drink alcohol.
“The key here is precaution. We know that excessive alcohol consumption can have serious health and social effects, so if we can have the same effect on health, an improvement in our intestinal health, with a “Non-alcoholic beverages are better. Excessive simplification of the message can lead to unhealthy behaviors,” said Faria.
Demand for non-alcoholic alternatives Drinking too much alcohol negatively affects your health, even among young adults. A previous study showed that drinking alcohol at an early age contributes to premature narrowing of blood vessels, a precursor to cardiovascular disease.
Non-alcoholic beer companies have previously explained NutritionInsight’s predictions that alcohol consumption could decline over the next two decades. Highlighting the boom in the non-alcohol market and the growing supply of substitutes, industry members have predicted that “alcohol beer will not exist in 25 years.”
A study conducted in Denmark delved into the process of brewing non-alcoholic beer; they discovered that while it is possible to create the same flavor, it can also be more sustainable for the planet.
By Beatrice Wihlander
This feature is provided by FoodIngredientsFirstbrother website of, NutritionInsight.
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