Drink beer for a healthy heart

Research shows that: The consumption of beer in moderate quantities (that means one to two glasses only!) could reduce the risk of heart disease.

Beers are virtually fat and fibre free, and contain some protein. Most provide some carbohydrate, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins - including folic acid - which can lower homocysteine in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a possible risk factor for heart disease.

One of the most important alterations caused by regular alcohol consumption is an increase in levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or "good cholesterol." One to two drinks per day of any alcohol type have been shown to increase HDL cholesterol by about 12 per cent.



The findings are based on a meta-analysis of several different studies conducted worldwide from over 200,000 people's drinking habits, conducted by Italy's Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura. It showed that moderate consumption of beer decreases drinkers' risk of heart disease by 31 per cent, just as much as moderate consumption of wine.

Published online by the European Journal of Epidemiology, the study gives beer drinkers a chance to level the scores with oenophiles who have occasionally slammed the drinking habits of beer lovers.