Craft beer is a term that’s commonly used in many bars and seen on restaurant menus. What makes craft beer a ‘craft beer’ is simply the size of its brewery. Technically speaking, craft beers are those which are brewed in a brewery that brews less than 20,000 barrels a year!
Because of their small size, craft beers are known for their distinct flavor based on their place of origin. They are brewed using traditional methods using locally sourced ingredients, with the brewers using their independent combination of flavors.
Now, you already know the health benefits of drinking beer, but what about craft beer? Surprisingly, craft beer has added health benefits to your usual beer! Let’s look at a few of the major health benefits associated with drinking craft beer!
· More beneficial plant compounds present
The brewing of craft beer is unique, hence making it possible for every brewer to use locally sourced ingredients they like. Craft beers are produced using fermented cereal grains, which contain beneficial plant compounds.
These fermented grains or fruits that are usually used to produce these beers contain a high level of antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in our bodies.
Also, since craft beers have unique technologies and processes, few brewers don’t like to filter or pasteurize their beers. They like to retain the original flavor of the grains; hence you can have more of these plant compounds in the beer.
· Boosts protein synthesis in the body
Craft beer has high levels of nitrogen which boosts protein synthesis in the body. Cereals and grains used as raw materials in craft beers contain a high percentage of nitrogen, hence acting as a good source of nitrogen to the body.
Nitrogen helps in producing proteins that are needed for the healthy growth of hair, muscles, nails, blood, and DNA. It also influences brain functions and the immune system.
· Helps in healthy cell growth and function
Folic acid (folate) aids in healthy cell growth and in red blood cell formation. Cereals and grains have high folate content, and it is the vitamin essential to make DNA and other genetic material.
Since craft beers are also known for being unrefined, depending on how the brewers make them, they contain a higher amount of folate than commercial beer. Craft beer is also high in putrescine content which is a molecule essential for cell growth.
· Aids in digestion and strong immunity
Craft beer is a good source of prebiotics due to its brewing process that tries to retain the original nutrients of the ingredients used. Cereal grains are a rich source of prebiotics which plays an important role in promoting “good bacteria” in the gut.
The beneficial bacteria present in the gut help in inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and maintains the natural microbiome of the intestine.
Prebiotics plays a significant role in keeping a healthy digestive tract and helps in boosting the immune system.
· Helps in bone development
Craft beer is rich in hops which is a great source of dietary silicon. Dietary silicon is known for its role in collagen synthesis and bone development. It helps in preventing osteoporosis which is a very common health problem among senior citizens.
Silicon also helps in protecting your brain against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that beer drinkers are less likely to get this disease by 23%.
· Rich source of vitamins and minerals
Craft beer is known to be a rich source of minerals and vitamins like Vitamin B. Since the raw ingredients are basically cereal grains and yeast, craft beer contains mineral compounds like potassium, iron, calcium, and more.
It is particularly high in Vitamin B, which helps in preventing heart attacks. A 2016 study by American Heart Association reported that moderate beer drinkers have a higher level of good cholesterol and are better protected from cardiovascular diseases.
Reasons why you should drink craft beer
Let us look at some of the top reasons why you should indulge in craft beer!
· Help local
It is without a doubt that by drinking craft beer from your region, you are helping your own region boom. Your money goes to the people in your area rather than the rich company CEOs. While you may prefer a commercial-produced beer like Budweiser, switching to craft beer is a wise decision too!
· More favorable
Because craft beers are made by independent brewers who are passionate about their work, you cannot doubt the superiority of the beer flavors. In fact, the flavors of craft beers are more varied and challenging than any commercially produced beer.
You can taste the difference in the flavor base don the different regions it is brewed in because every brewery has its own set of unique techniques.
· More Nutrients
As discussed above, the nutritional value of craft beer is much higher than other beers.
· Higher alcohol content
Craft beers have a higher alcohol percentage than commercial-produced beers. The average percentage by volume of alcohol found in craft beers can be anywhere between 5% to 10%. However, in mass-produced beers, you will find the percentage to be only about 4% to 6%, with some brands going as low as 2%!
Also, do you know that there are few craft beers that have 40% alcohol content?!
· Seasonal craft beers
The best part about craft beers is that there is a flavor for every season. Craft beer drinkers can choose the flavor they want basing on the season or even the event they are attending. Since craft brewers are creative and love experimentation, you will find many flavors in different colors.
Final Thoughts
Drinking craft beers come with extra benefits than drinking the usual commercial beer. However, anything in excess is dangerous; hence be careful of the amount of beer you consume per day.
One aspect of craft beers to consider is the bottle packaging they come in. Craft beers may be available in bigger bottles, unlike commercial beers that come in different sizes. Hence, they are produced in small breweries; the units may not have the infrastructure needed to produce in one-size packs.
Hence, moderate consumption of craft beers is essential if you want to receive all the health benefits that craft beer comes with!
