Nutrition and Beer

Although it may seem unusual to see these words matched together I assure you that there is no incompatibility here. While alcohol in general is not usually considered to be an important part of a nutritious diet, beer must be considered in a different context. For centuries beer has been known as a form of "liquid bread", relied upon by many to quench thirsts when nearby water sources had become too fouled to drink. The ingredients of both bread and beer are remarkably similar and although both have been traced back to Ancient Egypt it has not been ascertained which came first. In the past when knowledge of dietary requirements was practically nonexistent it is very likely that beverages such as ale and mead were among the most important staples of daily consumption.

Before we take a look at the nutritive value of beer we must differentiate between regular beer and good beer. Most mass produced products have been pasteurized to increase shelf life, this process involves heating to a temperature sufficient to kill any contaminants, unfortunately this also kills the yeast cells and arguably affects the taste of the beer. Products from micro-breweries and brew pubs are not normally pasteurized, often consumed soon after the brewing process has been completed these beers are actually alive! These living yeast cells are a good source of B-complex vitamins, Potassium and Chromium among others. B vitamins are primarily responsible for allowing our bodies to metabolize the food we eat and convert it into usable energy. Alcohol, in excess, can inhibit the bodies ability to absorb B vitamins and thus render it less efficient, but the consumption of fresh beer in moderation can only be beneficial in this respect. Chromium is a trace element, deficiencies of it have been linked to diabetes and heart disease. Studies have shown that 12 oz. of beer may contain half an adults RDA for this element, and supplements of it have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels. Let's look at a typical bottle of micro-brewed beer and check it's nutritional breakdown. A 12oz. bottle will have somewhere around 150 calories, at least 1 gm of protein, 10-15 gm of carbohydrate, no fat or cholesterol and more dietary fiber than a slice of white bread.

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© C. Renegar Jr.