Beer: The unlikely superfood packed with vitamins, minerals and fibre that remains low in sugar

Research suggests that drinking beer might help prevent Alzheimer’s and be a healthier drink than many would believe.

15:53 07 July 2014

With the growing problem of obesity in the country, experts have previously suggested to avoid drinks that are high in sugar content and drink water as much as possible. However, it has now been proposed that beer, which is packed with minerals, can also be a “healthy” drink in its own right.

Research suggests that the alcoholic beverage, which is naturally low in sugar, can help fight off Alzheimer’s disease and aid in balancing hormones and assisting in weight loss.

Dr Stephan Domenig, medical director of The Original F.X. Mayr Health Centre in Austria, said: ‘If you analyse beer you would be amazed at how many super-nutrients there are in it. Beer contains all of the essential – and many of the non-essential – amino acids.’

The research also explained that beer is low in sugar. While a glass of orange juice contains six teaspoons of sugar and a can of Coke seven, half a pint of beer contains just over one.

Nutritionist Dr Kathryn O’Sullivan, who last year carried out a scientific review of beer, agrees with the findings. She said: ‘Compared with soft drinks, it will give less of a blood sugar spike. Beer is about 93 per cent water so it’s quite hydrating.’

In another study that was conducted in 2010, it has been revealed that moderate beer consumption can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 25per cent. 

Despite all this, nutionisists agree that consuming large amounts of alcohol has an overall negative effect on the body.