Beer
You may not be aware of it but many common beverages can add inches to your waistline especially if you drink them regularly. Fatty and carbohydrates-rich foods aren’t the only ones that can make you gain weight but also these thirst quenchers and mood uppers as well. IN PHOTO: People toast with beer mugs in Munich in this September 21, 2010 file photo Reuters/Michaela Rehle

Although beer is often associated with obesity, disease and other health problems, there are actually a number of benefits that the popular drink can provide. Some of these beneficial findings are backed by scientific studies and prove that moderate drinking can actually help you live longer and stay stress-free.

1. Beer lowers blood pressure

In a study conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, beer renders a lot of benefits, particularly in preventing hypertension. Two large-scale studies which involved over 70,000 and 128,000 subjects respectively showed that drinking beer in moderate amounts can lower blood pressure.

2. Beer boosts creativity

Individuals who like to get more creative and develop new ideas may finally find answers by drinking beer. A study published in the journal Consciousness and Cognition showed that men who were slightly intoxicated solved verbal puzzles better than sober ones.

3. Beer eliminates stress

Beer induces the release of neurotransmitters responsible for elevating mood such as serotonin. When drinking one or two glasses, more of these mood-uppers are released by the brain, thereby helping people relieve stress and relax their mind and muscles. The approach should be to drink moderately, not to drink until you forget all worries.

4. Beer boosts memory

Many experts state that beer has good effects in improving focus and memory. People who regularly drank small amounts of beer were found to be less likely to suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease when they grow older.

5. Beer is better than wine

When it comes to B vitamins and protein, beer has more compared to wine. Beer also contains antioxidants in the same level as wine, thereby removing waste products from the body effectively. Beer is relatively cheaper and also tastes better especially when ice cold. A study published on NCBI showed that drinking beer moderately can reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular disease among individuals.

Several other benefits can be derived from beer, regardless of the type and taste. People are actually recommended by their physicians to consume moderate levels of beer or alcohol to strengthen their immune system, eliminate anxiety and prevent illnesses.