More benefits of beer

Reduced cancer risk: A Portuguese study found that marinating steak in beer eliminates almost 70 per cent of the carcinogens, called heterocyclic amines produced when the meat is pan-fried. Researchers theorise that beer’s sugars help block HCAs from forming. Scientists also have found that beer and wine contain about the same levels of antioxidants, but the antioxidants are different because the flavonoids found in hops and grapes are different.

Boosting vitamin levels: A Dutch study, performed at the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, found that beer-drinking participants had 30 per cent higher levels of vitamin B6 levels in their blood than their non-drinking counterparts, and twice as much as wine drinkers. Beer also contains vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Guarding against stroke: Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health found that moderate amounts of alcohol, including beer, help prevent blood clots that block blood flow to the heart, neck and brain — the clots that cause ischemic stroke, the most common type. Reduced diabetes risk: A 2011 Harvard study of about 38,000 middle-aged men found that when those who only drank occasionally raised their alcohol intake to one to two beers or other drinks daily, their risk of developing type 2 diabetes dropped by 25 percent. The researchers found no benefit to quaffing more than two drinks. The researchers found that alcohol increases insulin sensitivity, thus helping protect against diabetes.

Lower blood pressure: Wine is fine for your heart, but beer may be even better: A Harvard study of 70,000 women ages 25 to 40 found that moderate beer drinkers were less likely to develop high blood pressure — a major risk factor for heart attack — than women who sipped wine or spirits.

Longer Life: In a 2005 review of 50 studies, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that moderate drinkers live longer. The USDA also estimates that moderate drinking prevents about 26,000 deaths a year, due to lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Source: health.yahoo.net