When it comes to our favorite fermented beverage, we often think about its ability to quench our thirst and refresh us after a long day. But did you know that drinking beer can actually help you lose weight? While there is no exact science behind this claim, there are a few studies that suggest drinking a refreshing brew can make us healthier. So, can you drink beer and lose weight? Let’s explore.
The Studies
A review of the current scientific literature found that beer can lower cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. Moreover, it can boost the immune system, improve athletic performance, decrease anxiety, and make us feel happier. While the exact mechanism behind these health benefits are not entirely clear, it appears that the compounds in Beer, particularly polyphenols, may play a role in both lowering cholesterol and triglycerides as well as the immune system strengthening effects.
Not only that, but there is also some evidence that suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes might contribute to the effectiveness of beer in improving health and well-being. So, while the mechanisms are not fully understood, it seems that drinking beer can do a lot for our bodies.
How Is Beer Dosed?
The majority of the research on beer has used 3-4% ABV beer, but there is also some evidence that suggests that lower or higher concentrations can also be used. For example, there have been studies on the effects of 1.8% ABV beer and some even used 6.8% ABV beer, so it appears that the alcohol content of the solution largely determines the effectiveness of the compounds in Beer. But just because a study used a certain percentage of alcohol by volume doesn’t mean that you have to use that exact same percentage to create a solution at home. It’s usually best to look at the ABV of the particular beer you are drinking and determine how much alcohol you should use for your body type and size.
What Forms Do Your Compounds Come In?
While most studies have used beer compounds in solution, there is also some evidence that they can be effective when presented in the solid form as well. Moreover, some studies have even shown that dry-brewed versions of the compounds in Beer offer similar if not better results than those who have used the same compounds in solution. So, while we can’t confirm whether drinking beer in the form of a solution or a solid offers the best results, there may be some merit to both approaches.
When Should You Drink Beer?
As we mentioned above, the compounds in Beer influence a lot of aspects of health and well-being. Moreover, it appears that these compounds are most effective when ingested in a timely fashion. This can occasionally be a problem, particularly for those who are trying to lose weight, as it might make them crave the sweet taste of beer more often than needed. In most cases, this can be avoided by drinking at regular intervals throughout the day, or at least when you know that you will be consuming something that can boost your health. Additionally, consuming the same compound in different forms can sometimes lead to improvements in how certain compounds affect us. For example, a study that used tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found that it had a different effect when administered through food compared to that which was administered in solution. So, it might be worth trying out both options, as long as you aren’t drinking too much.
Can You Drink Beer and Lose Weight?
Considering all of the above, it would appear that we can’t answer the question of whether or not you can drink beer and lose weight in the affirmative or negative. It really depends on you and what you want out of life. If you are looking for medical research that suggests you can lose weight drinking beer, then you will have to look elsewhere as studies have generally found the opposite to be true. But, if you are looking for a way to enjoy a drink and some health benefits, then we would recommend giving beer a try as it seems to be linked to better health in a number of ways.