• A World of BeersImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Rojer Wisner
  
  

Beer and Your Health

• Beer, like wine, is actually shown to help your general health and well-being. Beer can sometimes receive a bad wrap, but the fact of the matter is that both can do good.
  
  

The Study

• Several studies have been conducted in the past few years regarding wine and health, but only very recently have we seen significant studies conducted about beer. A study conducted by the University of Western Ontario has shown that beer has similar beneficial effects as wine.
  
  

In-depth

• Research has shown that within 30 minutes of consuming a beer, levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased. LDL is also known as "bad" cholesterol.
  
  

Barley

• BarleyImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of jenny downing
  
  Barley is a main ingredient found in most beers. Barley is suspected to be one of the main reasons that there is a decrease in LDL cholesterol. Barley contains polyphenols, which have been linked to lowering cholesterol levels.
  
  

The Bottom Line

• Beer is not high in cholesterol. In fact, beer may actually lower bad cholesterol. But this effect only takes place if you consume beer in moderation. Generally speaking, moderate consumption of alcohol is good for the general health of most people. For women, that would be one drink per day. For men, two drinks per day.