It's true that alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. However, in low doses, numerous scientific studies have shown that beer has interesting properties for the proper functioning of the body.
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Beer, an effective painkiller
You suffer from migraines or muscle pain. But you're doing everything you can to limit your medication intake. Here's the solution to your problem. According to a British study published at the end of 2016 in The Journal of Pain, it would appear that beer is an effective analgesic to combat your various sufferings. And yes, this alcoholic beverage doesn't just accompany your evenings out with friends. It's also said to have inveterate therapeutic virtues.
The researchers suggest that 'alcohol is an effective analgesic that provides a clinically significant reduction in pain intensity'. But they don't explain how beer reduces pain. Be careful, of course, not to drink too much. Health professionals recommend drinking no more than 4 standard glasses of beer. It is also advisable to abstain from alcohol at least one day a week.
A new discovery: Beer has moisturizing properties
And it seems that evaporating pain isn't the only benefit of drinking beer. According to a new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, this beverage could quench our thirst in the same way as water.
If the beer consumed is low in alcohol, then it allows maximum hydration of the body. According to British scientists, with less than 4% alcohol in the composition, the diuretic effect is corrected by sugars and mineral salts, which retain water in the body.
Don't drink too much beer to stay hydrated
As you can see, there's no question of downing a 12-pack of beer at 8°C and thinking that your body will thank you afterwards. In fact, while beer at 4°C or less can quench your thirst, stronger alcohol (beer, wine, vodka...) will have the totally opposite effect of dehydrating you. If possible, avoid drinking beer after sport. Even if a small beer in the clubhouse after a rugby match never hurts, drink plenty of water.
Drinking alcohol, like beer, is and should remain a pleasure above all else, in the knowledge that it can never replace real water-based hydration.
On the other hand, if you're one of those people who like to party, don't hesitate to drink a glass of water between each glass of alcohol. Your body will thank you for it. In fact, this technique is often used to avoid the famous hangover after a night of drinking, beer or other beverages.
Finally, it's always important to remember that alcohol (of any kind) should be consumed in moderation.
Read more:
⋙ Here is what happens to your body when you finish a drink in one go: 'Bottoms up!'
⋙ Drinking a beer a day is good for your health, surprising study reveals
⋙ This is how you act when you've had too much to drink, according to your zodiac sign
⋙ Drinking too much alcohol could trigger this rare type of throat cancer
⋙ 5 signs you're dehydrated and need to drink more water
This article has been translated from Gentside FR.
Sources used:
Science&Vie: La bière hydrate-t-elle réellement ?
