IS DRINKING BEER GOOD FOR YOU?

Let KSP Wines answer one of the most frequently asked questions: Is drinking beer good for you?

(This article is for reference only.)

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made through the fermentation of key ingredients including water, malt (barley malt), hops, and yeast. Beer is one of the oldest and most popular drinks in the world, with various types depending on the production process and ingredients used.

Like other alcoholic beverages, drinking beer can offer some health benefits if consumed in moderation. However, excessive beer consumption can lead to serious health problems. Below are the potential benefits and harms of drinking beer, supported by specific studies and health organizations.

I. Benefits of Drinking Beer (Only when consumed in moderation)

1.Tốt cho tim mạch

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that moderate beer drinkers have a 30-35% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to non-drinkers because beer contains compounds that can increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. 

 2. Cải thiện sức khỏe thận

Research from the University of Helsinki shows that each glass of beer can reduce the risk of kidney stones by up to 40% due to its diuretic effect, which helps eliminate calcium from the kidneys and prevents stone formation. 

3. Chứa nhiều vitamin và khoáng chất

According to research published in The Lancet, certain beers, especially dark beers, contain significant amounts of B vitamins (such as B6 and B12), potassium, magnesium, and other minerals beneficial for the body. It also contains antioxidants like polyphenols that are beneficial to health.

4. Giảm nguy cơ tiểu đường tuýp 2

Research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that moderate beer drinkers have a 25% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to non-drinkers, as beer can improve insulin sensitivity, helping to better control blood sugar levels.

5. Giúp xương chắc khỏe

A study from Tufts University found that the silicon in beer can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly in men.

II. Harms of Drinking Beer:

1. Gây tăng cân (bụng bia)

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that excessive beer consumption is linked to weight gain and abdominal fat accumulation due to the high calorie and carbohydrate content of beer.

2. Gây tổn thương gan

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol abuse is a leading cause of liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and cirrhosis, one of the leading causes of death.

3. Tăng nguy cơ mắc bệnh ung thư

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen. Drinking alcohol significantly increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast (in women) when consumed in unsafe amounts.

4. Gây hại cho hệ thần kinh và não bộ

Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that long-term heavy beer drinking can damage nerve cells, cause memory impairment, reduce concentration, and lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (memory loss due to vitamin B1 deficiency).

5. Tăng nguy cơ mắc bệnh tim mạch khi tiêu thụ quá mức

A study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, alcoholic cardiomyopathy, and stroke by up to 40%.

6. Gây rối loạn tiêu hóa

Research from the Mayo Clinic shows that heavy beer consumption can harm the digestive system, leading to stomach ulcers and other digestive issues due to beer stimulating excessive acid production in the stomach.

7. Nguy hiểm khi lái xe

Drinking beer and driving is extremely dangerous because alcohol negatively affects human control. Specifically:

• Reduced judgment: Beer impairs cognitive function and judgment, making it difficult for drinkers to assess traffic situations such as the distance from other vehicles, speed, or the risk of collision.
• Slower reaction times: Alcohol slows the body's reflexes, making it harder to react quickly to unexpected situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Loss of control: Alcohol impairs physical coordination, making it harder to steer or brake properly.
• Poor vision: Alcohol affects vision, causing blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or impaired night vision.
• Increased risk-taking: People tend to act more confidently but less cautiously when drinking, leading to dangerous driving behavior.

8. Vi phạm pháp luật

According to Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, amended by Decree 123/2021/ND-CP, specific penalties are applied to different vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles) when driving under the influence of alcohol:

A) For car drivers: Blood alcohol levels above 0.4 mg/liter of breath or 80 mg/100 ml of blood: Fines ranging from 30,000,000 to 40,000,000 VND and revocation of driving licenses for 22 to 24 months.

B) For motorcyclists: Blood alcohol levels above 0.4 mg/liter of breath or 80 mg/100 ml of blood: Fines ranging from 6,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND and revocation of driving licenses for 22 to 24 months.

—

Conclusion:

Drinking beer can offer some health benefits, especially when consumed in moderation. However, excessive drinking or abuse can lead to serious health problems like liver damage, increased cancer risk, and neurological issues. To enjoy the benefits of beer without experiencing harm, individuals should monitor their intake according to recommendations (1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men). Most importantly, never drive after drinking beer.

không lái xe khi đã uống bia.