There are several health outcomes associated with the health of our gut
microbiome, and the variety of these microbial communities is thought to play a
major role in our susceptibility. Small-scale research has shown evidence to
support the hypothesis that regular drinking of traditional and non-alcoholic
lager beers has the potential to broaden cultural diversity.
According to the study, which was led by Portuguese experts, moderate
beer intake may boost gut bacterial diversity. In a double-blind, randomised
trial, 19 healthy guys were separated into two groups and given either 11 oz
(325 ml) of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer with supper each day. The results
showed that the researchers' hypothesis was correct.
The gut microbiota was studied using RNA gene sequencing over the course
of a four-week period, with blood and faecal samples obtained both before and
after. The quantity of beer did not lead to a rise in body weight or body fat
mass, nor did it affect blood indicators for heart health and metabolism,
according to the researchers.
Nevertheless, both groups showed a greater variety of gut bacteria and
an increase in alkaline phosphatase, an indicator of intestinal health. The
experts believe that the beer's polyphenols and microbes, which aid in the
beer's fermentation, might be to blame.
Scientists say that although drinking one beer a day may be helpful to
gut health, the safest quantity of alcohol intake is zero. Besides well-known
health hazards such as liver disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease,
more recent research has shown direct correlations to cancer. Another good
reason to drink non-alcoholic beer is that it seems to have the same beneficial
effects on gut health regardless of whether or not it contains alcohol.
It's unclear how the study came about.
- The study involved 19 mature males. The average age of the group was 35.
- For a period of four weeks, everyone was required to consume 325 ml of beer with supper each day. There are several types of lagers.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer were provided to some of the attendees.
- The alcoholic beer had a 5.2 percent of alcohol level. Strong beer is reserved for this kind of brew.
- The stool and blood samples of these guys were collected after four weeks of the experiment.