Could this possibly be true with all the warnings that are out there on how bad alcohol is for you? I decided to dig a little deeper into the health benefits of craft beer, and this is what I found:

Heart Health

Beer is good for the heart! A major ingredient in beer is hops. Hops contain polyphenols. What are polyphenols, you ask? They are a type of antioxidant that help to lower cholesterol and fight cancer.

Stress Relief

A nursing health study of over 70,000 women between the ages of 25 and 42 found that those that drink moderate amounts of beer (one beer for women, two beer for men) had lower blood pressure than those who consumed other alcoholic beverages.

Calcium.

Beer contains Calcium and Silicon (soluble Silica) which helps build strong bones, teeth, and nails.

Cognitive Function and Memory Disorders

A study done by Rush University Medical Center found that "Moderate drinkers are 23% less likely to  develop memory problems (i.e. Alzheimer's and Dementia).

Healthy kidneys

Beer helps flush your kidneys, lowering the risk of kidney stones.

Possible Prevention of Diabetes

Beer increases insulin sensitivity thus helping protect against diabetes.

Remember not all beer is made the same; some craft beer has 30 times the amount of hops than mass-produced beer. So don't wait—most cognitive disorders are non-reversible, and it’s never too early to try and protect against cancer, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney stones and diabetes. Who knows, that nice hoppy or dark beer you’re getting ready to enjoy could possibly prevent a stroke and/or increase your life span. Heck, don't take my word on it, drink up and find out for yourself! 

Nadine Sweeten, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Beer Consultant – Sarasota

Follow me on Twitter @abcbeernadines