Beer is good for you?!
…Well not quite, but everything in moderation right? September 28th is National Drink Beer Day, and while beer isn’t fruits and vegetables per se, it is not the worst thing to consume in a responsible way. More studies are being conducted on beer consumption, and as their results are published, beer drinkers are becoming more pleased with what the researchers have to say on the drink. Dare we say, beer even has some health benefits!
Beer contains polyphenols, which are natural antioxidants, often times found in wine and other brightly colored natural foods. Beers with the most polyphenols are typically IPA’s (India Pale Ales), which typically have a higher alcohol content anyway. It has been proven that moderate drinkers (that is: women who drink 1 drink per day and men who drink 1-2 drinks per day) experience less stress and anxiety, lower risk of heart disease, hypertension, strokes, and inflammatory issues.
That being said, we think beer brings a little something to the conversation of health, and this year, we are promoting Drink Beer Day. So in honor of this beautiful national holiday, we are encouraging everyone to raise their glasses to health and beer! Here is a list of healthier beers to put in those raised glasses!
Sierra Pale Ale
(via)
Sierra Nevada is only 174 calories, so long as you buy the standard version of the pale ale. Jam packed with polyphenols, Sierra Nevada is one of the most widely sold pale ales and also the healthiest.
Abita Purple Haze
(via)
A New Orleans original. If you love raspberries, this is the beer for you. It is infused with natural raspberry flavor and is only 128 calories. Not bad for a beer!
Butte Creek India Pale Ale
(via)
Butte Creek is an organic pale ale made pesticide and chemical free for beer drinkers to enhance their experience in a healthier way. Apparently Butte Creek got the memo on healthy alcohol consumption! This beer is 201 calories, but the organic nature makes up for the heightened cal count.
Rolling Rock
(via)
Here is a house hold name! Rolling Rock is only 120 calories and it doesn’t sacrifice its taste for being a light beer. Domestically produced, Rolling Rock is an American staple in beers.
Yuengling Light Lager
(via)
Shockingly for being the only lager on our list, Yuengling has the lowest cal count with only 99 calories. Great thick taste without the inches on your waistline.
Peak Organic Winter Session
(via)
Yet another organic beer to add to the list. This beer is 150 calories and brewed in Maine. Even though it is one of the more expensive ales, it’s taste and health benefits are worth the price.
New Planet 3 R Raspberry Beer
(via)
Last but not least, this is a new beer on the market, but it is gluten free so we had to add it to the list. For all the gluten free people who thought they couldn’t enjoy a healthy beer, this one is for you. Another raspberry infused beer, New Planet 3R gets it name from the saying”reduce, reuse, recycle”. Not only is this beer gluten free, it is also environmentally friendly as a profit of its sales goes to a nonprofit in Colorado for the green movement. How could you not love this beer?
Prost!