Are you curious about lesser-known brews? Here’s what you should know.
Recent findings highlight that low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers might not be as beneficial as they appear. Even if you reduce alcohol intake, health risks persist.
Sales of non-alcoholic beer continue to rise and are projected to overtake ale this year, making it the second largest beer category globally, according to industry tracker IWSR.
In a recent study, researchers divided 44 healthy young men into two groups. One group drank two non-alcoholic beers daily, while the other consumed water for four weeks.
Regular blood tests were performed to track changes in blood glucose, cholesterol, liver function, body fat, and even gut bacteria. The outcomes were concerning.
Participants who consumed non-alcoholic beer experienced significant increases in blood sugar and insulin levels, along with higher harmful cholesterol and triglycerides. Interestingly, the wheat and fruity varieties were particularly problematic, while pilsner-style options fared somewhat better.
Researchers attribute these results to the drinks’ calorie and sugar content, which may contribute to weight gain and exacerbate chronic conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
The nutritional labels indicate that non-alcoholic and regular beers have comparable calories, protein, and fats, but differ significantly in alcohol and carbohydrate content.
A standard 12 oz beer with 5% ABV typically has about 14 grams of alcohol. In contrast, its non-alcoholic equivalent has less than 0.5% ABV, containing around 1 gram of alcohol. However, the calorie content often remains similar.
This similarity stems from the fact that non-alcoholic beers typically contain over twice the carbohydrates compared to regular ones, primarily in the form of sugar added to improve taste after alcohol removal.
For instance, Coors Light has 5.8 grams of carbohydrates and only 0.3 grams of sugar per 12 ounces, while Coors Edge, its non-alcoholic counterpart, has 8 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of sugar.
Not all non-alcoholic options are the same, though. An analysis from a telehealth company found that top brands like Suntory, Guinness, and Brewdog have the least added sugars and calories, making them healthier choices.
Health Considerations
The growth of non-alcoholic beers remains noteworthy. The IWSR projects a 2% annual decline for regular beer, in contrast to the anticipated 8% growth in non-alcoholic beer until 2029.
Young drinkers contribute significantly to this trend. According to a recent Gallup Poll, only 62% of adults under 35 report drinking alcohol, down from 72% two decades ago.
Additionally, many young people are embracing concepts like ‘dry January’ or reduced intake.
One 24-year-old, Kathleen Saroma, commented that her generation is becoming more health-conscious and doesn’t see drinking as a necessity in social settings.
Experts suggest that even if zero-proof beers contain added sugars, reducing alcohol consumption is generally positive for health both now and later.
Amy Stevens, a sports nutritionist, emphasizes the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, including dehydration, impaired judgment, and increased risks for serious situations, like drunk driving.
The long-term implications can be severe as well. Stevens notes that habitual excessive drinking can lead to problems like alcohol dependence, liver damage, heart issues, and cognitive decline.
This past January, the surgeon general issued a warning linking even small amounts of alcohol to a heightened risk of several cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer.
