The Health Benefits of Craft Beer: Is it Good for You?

Craft beer has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Not only is it a delicious and refreshing beverage, but it also offers some important health benefits. Craft beer contains antioxidants, proteins, vitamin B complex, silicon, and hops, which can act as a barrier against the gradual deterioration of cognitive functions of the brain. Growing body of research confirms health benefits of moderately consumed craft beer as part of a healthy diet.

In fact, the USDA Dietary Guidelines specifically mention the health benefits of moderate consumption of alcoholic beverages. In a survey of 1,978 adults of drinking age by The Harris Poll and Nielsen, 80 percent of people who drink at least one craft beer a month consider themselves health-conscious, compared to 76 percent of non-craft drinkers. Both mass-produced beer and small-batch beer contain selenium, B vitamins, phosphorus, folic acid and niacin, as well as protein and fiber. It is also one of the few dietary sources of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Hops are what stabilizes and preserves beer. While craft beer has been found to provide indisputable health benefits, it's important to balance your enjoyment with a healthy diet and a consistent exercise routine.

Most expert sources in the field specify that moderate beer consumption is the key to reaping almost any benefit of beer, since overdoing it with alcohol is not optimal for overall health. Of the most important craft ensembles in the country, you have the Tour de Fat of New Belgium that celebrates two-wheeled vehicles powered by humans, Boston Beer minting a Sam Adams beer for the Boston marathon, Deschutes organizing races in his brewery and Sierra Nevada sponsoring the professional cycling race of the Utah Tour. Big Beer continues to govern the market, with AB InBev and MillerCoors controlling 72 percent of beer sales. Craft brewers pride themselves on boosting flavors through the use of natural main ingredients (malts, hops, yeast and water) and the brewing process itself. In addition, craft beer is brewed with grains and yeast, between allergies or sensitivities to gluten and intolerances to yeast. However, at the same time, craft beer is a drink with a very high glycemic index, despite its relatively low carbohydrate content. But how much is low to moderate consumption? It is generally accepted that a daily serving of 12-16 oz of craft beer constitutes moderate consumption for the average woman and that one or two pints are adequate for the average man¹.Simply log in with your Google, Facebook or Twitter account and fill out a quick form to share the latest and greatest with craft beer fans across the country.

Craft beer has to do with the quality of the ingredients and the ethics of the brewing process. And while craft beer usually contains some extra calories, small-batch beer enthusiasts are more likely (39%, versus 25%) to choose lower-calorie non-alcoholic beverages to make up the difference. The Brewers Association defines American craft beer as that produced by an independently owned brewery in small quantities (6 million barrels or less each year) and using traditional brewing methods. So if you're looking for an adult beverage that offers some health benefits while still being enjoyable to drink - craft beer may be just what you're looking for!.