You would have come across the quote, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”, gracing t-shirts and mugs. This saying is attributed to Benjamin Franklin. However, a quick Google search reveals that this is one more urban myth making the rounds. Yep, the founding father of USA never said that about beer.
This is a classic example of beer myths that are shared on social media. Beer is a drink that has been around for thousands of years and is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Sadly, it’s one of the most misunderstood too. From beer belly to avoiding canned beers, this humble frothy drink has taken all the myths in its stride.
We think it’s time to set some things straight. Here, in this article, we right some wrongs and spread the truth and make you aware of the actual science, behind five popular beer myths. Grab a pint of your favourite brew and let’s get started!
MYTH #1: “I DON’T DRINK BEER, FOR I FEAR THAT I MAY GET A BEER BELLY.”
This is one of the most popular myths. Ask any non-beer drinker, why they don’t touch the drink, you are sure to get this standard reply. There is not even a single ounce of truth behind this one. Beer makes you fat, just like any other high-calorie dessert or food makes you fat.
If you eat potato chips and pizza, while lounging on the couch, you’re sure to get fat. The same applies to beer. Just because you drink beer, you don’t gain weight magically. You put on the kilos because you lead a sedentary lifestyle and follow an improper diet.
Don’t you think that it’s a tad unfair on beer to blame your belly on it?
MYTH #2: BEER TASTES GOOD ONLY WHEN IT’S SERVED ICE COLD
We blame the reason for this myth on the false advertisements created by the big brands in the industry. Slogans like “The coldest beer in the world” or “As cool as ice” or “Tastes just like a cold mountain stream” have been shoved at us for years, across all media.
Remember the beer ads that were showcased during cricket matches? The ones were ice climbers brought cold beers to your house? Or the ones where people took an ice box to the beach to store their bottles of beers? The message each of these ads tried to hammer into us, is this, “Beer must be drunk ice cold”.
The truth is far from that. Science proves that foods and beverages that are consumed at warmer temperatures trigger signals that activate your taste buds. On the other hand, ice cold drinks numb the taste buds and you end up missing some of the aromas and flavours present in your brew. This is why ice cold Coca-cola has only one note and no other flavours.
Different beers have different optimal serving temperatures. So, the next time, don’t skip out on trying a new beer, just because it isn’t served cold.
MYTH #3: DRINKING BEER KILLS BRAIN CELLS
You may have heard of this the first time you tried to sneak a beer into your room while in high school. It was probably your mother’s way of dissuading you from drinking, in your teen years. While it’s true that beer impedes your cognitive function, you must remember that it applies to all alcoholic beverages and not just beer.
When you consume alcohol, it temporarily damages the parts of your brain that transmit and receive information, leading to a lack of cognitive ability and decreases your inhibitions. However, the effect is temporary, and your brain cells get back to optimal functioning once the effect wears off.
On the contrary, recent research from the University of Illinois in Chicago, suggests that consuming beer can actually make you smarter. Now, that’s happy news and what better way to celebrate it, than with a pint of the frothy brew.
MYTH #4: BOTTLED BEER IS BETTER THAN CANNED BEER
This is more of a personal preference. While some beer lovers swear by the canned drinks, others wouldn’t touch it with a 40-foot pole. However, many people believe that cans make the beer taste metallic.
This is far from the truth. The aluminium cans used for bottling beer contain a water-based polymer lining. This prevents the metal from reacting with the beer and keeps the flavours intact.
So, the next time you come across terrific craft ale in a can, don’t shy away from it based on some random myth. If you are still hesitant, you can pour the drink from the can in your favourite glass and sip away.
MYTH #5: BEER IS A MAN’S DRINK
We don’t know the time when this myth started or the reason behind it. Just like you hear the saying, “Wine is a woman’s drink”, we often keep hearing, “Beer is a man’s drink”. There is no shred of truth behind any of these sayings.
And, in fact, we know plenty of women who love beer and men who prefer wine to beer. Don’t let gender stereotypes hamper you from enjoying your favourite drink.
WRAPPING IT UP
Now that we have cleared the air, it’s time to go forth and spread the word. Do your bit in ending these inaccuracies once and for all. Impress your friends with your new knowledge and debunk these myths the next time you hear them.
Explore the vast world of beers and enjoy your favourite brew in your own style with no regard to falsely propagated myths.
Get right consultation on Microbrewery setup in India @ Rohit Jafa Brewing solutions. We can be checked on www.microbreweryindia.com | Talk to us @ (+91)9811233358.