Beer For Your Ailments
April’s article is being written from what feels like an actual deathbed with this unbelievably horrible cold, nay, PLAGUE, that is apparently trying to consume me. Even the dog keeps randomly barking at the front door, likely because she hears the Grim Reaper who is likely skulking outside of it, eagerly awaiting my head to explode from the sinus congestion. What better time to explore the medicinal aspects of beer?
Beer has been around for eons in different forms and has been hailed to be a medicinal beverage that contains healing properties throughout the ages. In one example, the ancient Nubians, dating back to 3100 BC, brewed beer utilizing bread and a liquid made from un-milled grains. Streptomyces bacteria (found in soil) entered the bread-making process during either the milling of the grains or the proofing (rising) of the dough. Once the bread was baked, the outside crusted, but the inside remained somewhat raw and undercooked, allowing for Streptomyces bacteria to survive. When the Nubians added this bread to the liquid, the bacteria continued to proliferate and ferment, thus creating a beer (albeit thick, with a porridge consistency) containing high concentrations of the antibiotic tetracycline having been found as the result of archeological bone extractions!
The ancient Egyptians also brewed beer. While beer was considered the “poor man’s beverage,” it was also highly regarded as being handed down from the god Osiris and therefore held part of the human soul. Egyptian apothecaries used beer in over 50 medications and remedies per archeological evidence. Beer was used as a form of payment to workers.
In the 1920s, the Guinness brewing company would visit local pubs to survey patrons about how a Guinness beer made them “feel,” with many folks relaying that they felt “stronger” or “better” after drinking a pint, thereby noting that they felt the drink was good for them. This research of sorts culminated in the famous “Guinness is Good for You,” advertising campaign. We are familiar with the posters that feature animals, most fondly a Toucan with a pint or two of Guinness balancing on its beak. The company then took it one step further and sought out physicians to inquire about Guinness and requested their thoughts. The response the company received was largely a positive one with doctors stating that they would prescribe the brew as a tonic or treatment for patients. It was found that many physicians prescribed Guinness to new mothers after birthing and to post-operative patients because of the high iron content found in the stout.
Throughout the entire history of beer, different varieties of hops have made their way into brew kettles, bringing with them many more medicinal properties. Today, hops, and the importance of experimentation of them, in our beer is commonplace. With every new launch of a beer, by both large and small breweries alike, there comes great pride in boasting of the different hops utilized. Hops not only add flavor, influence bitterness and make beer, well…BEER! But it doesn’t just stop there, because there is actual evidence that hops provide additional health benefits.
Hops are known to be helpful in treating digestive issues, insomnia, depression, anxiety, and nervousness. Chemists have been able to isolate and synthesize the acids in hops, known as humulone and lupulone. Through laboratory research, these chemical components have been found to have the ability to kill cancer cells and inhibit leukemia cells from binding to bone, as well as provide anti-inflammatory properties and further research persists in this area of medicine. While the experts do not exactly view beer as medicine, some do believe that if beer is consumed in moderation, it may provide additional health benefits. The key here is “moderation.” What is considered moderation? Moderation is defined as two standard drinks per day for men 65 and younger and one standard drink per day for women of any age and for men older than 65. A standard drink consists of 12 oz. of regular beer, 5 oz. of wine, or 1.5 oz. of 80-proof distilled spirits according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
More research by the International Journal of Endocrinology notes that beer and the silicon found in it may be beneficial for bone growth in post-menopausal women. A large study of 7598 women in 2000 found that moderate drinkers had higher bone density. Another study by the American Journal of Medicine found that 0.5-1 drink per day led to a lower risk for hip fractures, however, consuming more than 2 drinks increased the risk. Other medical research has shown that beer can improve HDL (good) cholesterol, lower heart disease risk, improve blood glucose control, lower risk for diabetes, and lower dementia risk. However, many studies have found that partaking in binge drinking and drinking more than the moderation amount, increased risks across the board for everything, including having a stroke.
Beer in all forms provides antioxidants, protein, niacin, riboflavin, choline, folate, magnesium, selenium, fiber, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, zinc, manganese, fluoride, and silicon; therefore, providing us with nutritional value! Barley can help strengthen your spleen, aid in gallbladder health, and assist in detoxification. Beer can also benefit in the health of your skin. Malt in beer can aid in exfoliation, stabilize collagen and elastin, improve microcirculation, and prevent premature aging of skin. Yeast provides high levels of B vitamins and this can help moisturize skin.
Women can benefit even further from beer especially when it comes to breastfeeding, and this is not just an old-wives tale. Women who find themselves in a situation where their milk production is running low may find that consuming a low-alcohol level beer can aid in upping their milk supply, with dark brews producing better results. (Those docs in the 1920s with their prescription of Guinness were actually on to something!) Barley contains a polysaccharide that stimulates secretion of prolactin and prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production. In Europe, beer-for-breastfeeding is more common advice than you’ll find here in the states, even with specific beers marketed to new moms.
At this point, trying ANYTHING to kick this unrelenting illness, seems like a good idea; And if beer can help? Pour me a pint!
Cheers!
*Sneeze*
*Cough*
*Hack*
Sources:
http://www.ancientpages.com/2018/02/11/beer-used-medicine-payment-ancient-egypt/
https://history.rcplondon.ac.uk/blog/guinness-good-you
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/case-for-health-benefits-of-beer#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/medicinal-beers#stick-to-moderate-drinking
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-beer-good-for-you#benefits
