While enjoying a cold beer after a long day might be a relaxing tradition for many, experts urge caution when considering the health effects of drinking beer daily. Humans have been consuming beer since the Stone Age, but does that mean it’s harmless? Here’s what experts have to say about the potential health impacts.
Some studies suggest that moderate beer consumption can offer heart health benefits. “Moderate drinking can help boost good cholesterol levels,” explains Destini Moody, R.D., founder of The Athlete’s Dietitian. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two for men. However, the key word here is “moderate.”
When beer consumption exceeds these limits, the positive effects diminish quickly, and the risks increase. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to weight gain, liver disease, and an elevated risk of cancer. According to a recent U.S. Surgeon General Advisory, alcohol is one of the leading preventable causes of cancer in the U.S., contributing to nearly 100,000 cancer cases and around 20,000 cancer-related deaths annually.
While a beer every now and then may have some health benefits, experts recommend sticking to moderate consumption and considering the long-term risks associated with daily drinking.
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