Experts Give new Insight on Beer, Cardiovascular

Experts Give new Insight on Beer, Cardiovascular

05 Dec 2015

Scientists and Nutritionists have submitted that consumption of beer in moderation is beneficial to cardiovascular health.
Dr. Henk Hendricks, a biologist and a project leader in the Institute for Food and Nutrition in The Netherlands, stated this during a symposium on Beer and Lifestyle in Lagos, recently.
He explained that virtually all processes contributing to Cardio Vascular Diseases, (CVD) are beneficially affected. These effects, he said, substantiate the causal relation between moderate alcohol consumption and CVD, which, according to him, have been observed in all groups studied (young – old, men – women).
According to Hendricks, some of the inherent advantages of beer include: low percentage of alcohol; large quantities of water; its role in rehydration;  a good source of minerals; a good source of polyphenolic antioxidants;  contains anti-inflammatory xanthohumoles; and a large variety of raw materials, including gluten-free’ Rich in fibers.
He said that Beer contains low concentrations of alcohol and a large number of additional ingredients that are associated with health. These include, amongst others minerals, vitamins and  polyphenols.
“Moderate beer/alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk for metabolic diseases, viz. cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
“The beneficial effects of moderate beer/alcohol consumption are mediated by improvements in lipid (cholesterol) metabolism, blood clotting and glucose metabolism,” he said.
Hendricks concluded that while risk reduction is additive to other healthy life style factors like non-smoking, physical activity and a healthy diet, moderate alcohol consumption fits in a healthy life style.
Professor Emevwo Biakolo of the Pan Atlantic University Lagos, who chaired the conference, also submitted that moderate beer intake in the elderly appears to be associated with significantly longer survival in men aged 60–74 years and in all elderly women.
“There is evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with better cognitive function in old age,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Tony Agenmomen, Senior Strategy Manager, Nigerian Breweries explained that moderate beer drinking can offer some health benefits, adding that the evidence is overwhelming.
“Even good things can become a stumbling block to us, if used without moderation,” he said.
He listed the strategies for moderate drinking to include: Spacing drinks; alternating alcoholic drinks with water; avoiding drinking games; learning to refuse drinks; and drinking slowly.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Nicholaas Vervelde explained that the company, having been encouraged by the outstanding success of the 2014 symposium and the very enthusiastic response from the general public, decided to sponsor the 2015 edition.
In addition, sponsoring this symposium, he disclosed, reinforced the commitment to improving the understanding of beer and its inherent benefits when consumed in moderation. “As I noted last year, beer when consumed in moderation, can be a source of immense pleasure.  That is why I believe the theme for this year – ‘Beer and Lifestyle’ is quite apt.
“Though beer has been with us for thousands of years, the appreciation of its unique benefits is only beginning to grow.  The knowledge about the benefits of moderate consumption of beer is multiplying every day with so many empirical research findings from all over the world.

“In line with our commitment to responsible consumption of our brands, we have continued to execute some activities including partnering with several agencies and stakeholders to embed the message of responsible consumption.  A key example is our partnership with the FRSC in “Don’t drink and drive” campaign.  These campaigns will continue into the future until every consumer understands and abides,” Vervelde said.

Tags: Health