Can it be True? Can Beer be Healthy?

Did you know that beer in moderation has some amazing health benefits?  According to AskMen.com, moderate amounts of alcohol may be good for your heart and for your brain.  A study in Germany, France and the United Kingdom revealed that consuming beer or wine may have anti-inflammatory properties which can lower the risk of coronary heart disease. It also has plenty of nutrients, such as protein, B vitamins, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, iron, niacin, and riboflavin. A Boston scientist discovered that light to moderate drinkers (1-14 drinks per week) have fewer strokes than nondrinkers.

Allison Van Dusen of Forbes interviewed Dr. R. Curtis Ellison, chief of the section of preventive medicine and epidemiology and professor of medicine and public health at the Boston University School of Medicine.  He pointed out that alcohol, including beer, in moderation raises high-density lipoprotein or HDL, known as good cholesterol.  Further, it also appears to have a favorable effect on the lining of blood vessels, making them less likely to form a clot or for a clot to rupture and plug an artery, and may help protect against Type 2 Diabetes.  What people should realize, suggested Ellison, is that “a little bit of alcohol on a regular basis decreases the risks of aging.”

Women, on the other hand, should be aware that some studies show that for those women who drink more than two glasses a beer a day, there could be risk of breast cancer, so it’s important to stick to moderation! 

So, if you want to try out some very interesting organic brews and wines, and this story has piqued your interest, please stop by the EcoLounge and Terrace (21+) at Boston GreenFest this week.  It opens at 5 pm on Thursday evening (8/15) and will be open on Friday and Saturday, 8/16-8/17 – from noon-9:30 pm.  There will be tasty local food and snacks to sample.  And if you’re planning on heading to the Red Sox game, stop by before or after to celebrate and cheer the Sox on!  Come be healthy!  Sit back in our comfortable Irie furniture and try out some specialty beers!