We can hear you saying, “Why differentiate between mass produced and craft beer?” Ultimately, it’s all beer, right? Well, No! Just like cheese and chalk are poles apart, craft beer and mass-produced, commercial beers fall on either end of the spectrum.
Even if we assume that both taste the same, which is highly unlikely, there are myriad other reasons, why you should reach for craft beer over commercial, bottled beers.
The next time you’re at your favourite watering hole, pause, scan the menu or ask your bartender for the best craft beer in the house. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your entire body will applaud you for a smart choice.
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of drinking craft beers.
CRAFT BEER AND ITS ROLE IN HISTORY
Centuries ago, before bottling plants came into existence, there was only one way to brew beer. That is to make it fresh in taverns and serve directly to the patrons. Sounds a bit like our craft beers, ain’t it? In the Middle Ages (yeah, something similar to the time of Game of Thrones), hordes of people succumbed to deadly diseases, just by drinking contaminated water. Yep, water in those days was full of harmful bacteria and other parasites.
However, those who drank beer instead of sipping on dirty water survived. All the more reason, to cheer for beer drinkers! The reason behind this is that the bacteria in the water were killed during the brewing of beer. Thereby, beer was clean and parasite-free, while normal water wasn’t.
Ok, now coming back to the present, let’s take a look at how Craft Beer is beneficial to your Health.
CHOCK FULL OF ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS AND VITAMINS
Beer is rich in several minerals like potassium, biotin, chromium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorous and other B vitamins like Vitamin B12, B6, niacin, folic acid and riboflavin. Doesn’t it sound just like popping a multi-vitamin?
Jokes apart, beer plays a significant role in your body’s metabolism, the functioning of the nervous system, helps in the production of red blood cells, protects your cardiovascular system, improves intestinal functioning and boosts immunity.
In fact, recent studies indicate that beer is an excellent source of the gut-friendly probiotic bacteria. Instead of reaching for probiotic pills, you can sip on your favourite ale. That’s so good, ain’t it?
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-MICROBIAL
Beer contains powerful anti-oxidants called as polyphenols and other phytonutrients that are anti-inflammatory. Both these nutrients are obtained from the raw ingredients like malt and hops that are used in the manufacturing of beer.
The sad fact is that industrially produced beer filters out both polyphenols and phytonutrients. Both these products add a thick texture to the finished product. Most big-scale breweries filter these to provide a clear, sparkling liquid.
On the other hand, craft beers do not make use of any industrial filters and are rich in polyphenols and phytonutrients.
ANTI-CARCINOGENIC
Hops not only stabilise and preserve beer but also add a bitter taste to the sweet, fermented wort. Today, it has been found out that hops have anti-carcinogenic properties. Meaning they are effective in combating the growth of cancer cells. Xanthohumol and humulone, two ingredients present in hops, blocks the progression of tumour cells.
Craft beer contains ten to thirty times more hops when compared to commercial beers, thereby making craft beers pretty active in the fight against cancer.
HELPS YOU SLEEP BETTER AND REDUCES ANXIETY
The hops used in beer have been proven to produce a sedating effect and induces fitful sleep. Also, beers for a long time have been used to alleviate stress and other anxieties. The scientific reason behind this is that the female flower of the hops plant called as Humulus Lupulus L induces relaxation and causes sleep.
TREATS THE SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE
If you thought that beer is a man’s drink, then you’re wrong. Craft beer helps not only menopausal women sleep better but also treats other conditions associated with menopause. The hops in craft beer secrete a substance called 8-prenylnaringenin that is considered as one of the most potent substances of phytoestrogen. It helps in relieving hot flashes that often occur during menopause.
HELPS IN MAKING YOUR BONES STRONGER
Osteoporosis is a condition where the tissues of bones deteriorate. People who suffer from this condition have a more porous bone structure when compared to others. Moderate consumption of craft beer improves bone density in two ways.
- It has plenty of phytoestrogens that help to improve bone density.
- The malts in beer are rich in bio-silicon. This compound is readily absorbed by the human body when compared to plant-based silicon.
Beers that are rich in hops and barley malts have more quantities of these two products.
MOVE OVER BOTTLED BEER, CRAFT BEER IS HERE TO STAY
Apart from the benefits mentioned above, craft beer has several other health benefits. It aids in digestion, improves the diversity of your gut flora and even helps in maintaining a thinner waistline. So,
if you’ve been reaching for craft beer all these days, you can consider that you’ve been doing your body good. If not, it’s time to swap out commercial beer for better tasting and healthier craft beer.
Cheers!
We @ Rohit Jafa Brewing solutions provide microbrewery set up solutions for craft beer in India. We can be checked on www.microbreweryindia.com | Talk to us @ (+91)9811233358.