10 Surprising Ways Drinking Beer Can Actually Improve Your Health

Reduces The Risk Of Diabetes

In a 2011 study conducted at Harvard University, researchers observed approximately 38,000 middle-aged men and found that moderate daily consumption of beer lowered their risk of diabetes by up to 25 percent. Similarly, a 2017 study conducted at the University of Southern Denmark found that moderate alcohol consumption over three to four days a week was associated with the lowest risk of diabetes. The alcohol in beer increases insulin sensitivity in the body, which prevents type 2 diabetes. Beer is also beneficial to people who already have diabetes because the soluble fibre in beer helps to regulate blood sugar. As is the case with heart disease, excessive beer consumption can increase rather than decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Prevents Kidney Stones

Based on the results of a study conducted in Finland, researchers concluded that moderate daily intake of beer reduces the risk of developing kidney stones by up to 40 percent. This health benefit can be attributed to the high water content of beer, which makes it easier for the body to flush toxins out. Compounds in beer also reduce the rate at which bones release calcium, which limits the amount of calcium that can build up in the kidneys and cause kidney stones. Heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of kidney stones due to the increase in uric acid in the body. Uric acid can cause a less common type of kidney stone called the uric acid stone.