Just about everyone who drinks beer has thought about whether it is good or bad for their health. There is no simple answer to this question as the effects may vary from one person to another. However, an ever-growing body of research confirms that moderate drinking is safe, including craft beer.
But what is craft beer? By definition, craft beer is produced by small, independent breweries, usually fewer than 2 million barrels yearly.
Why Do People Drink Craft Beer?
Even if we all fantasize about the taste being equal, there are several reasons to reach for craft over macro. The next time you are at a local bar or restaurant, consider the following reasons to choose craft beer.
1. Supporting Local Business
Many of us live within a few miles of a craft brewery. When you buy a local craft beer, more money stays closer to home, which does so much to help not only the brewers of the beer you love but also your local economy.
Most craft breweries use locally sourced ingredients. Some even fund local charities. Going local also gives you the chance to enjoy a fresh and more tasty beer; it likewise helps you make new friends, meet the brewers, and contribute to something built out of love and passion.
Who doesn’t want to be part of ventures like these, where you get to help your “home” thrive just by enjoying something tasty?
2. Sustainable Brewing
Most craft brewers are eco-conscious. They try to ply their craft safely and sustainably. From composting to using materials and equipment that take fewer resources and use alternative sources of energy, they have more in mind than just making lots of money. As you take that reusable growler or fill your keg locally, you are helping them reduce energy usage and waste.
3. Better Ingredients
Your usual beer contains 4 main ingredients: water, grain, yeast, and hops. Did you know that craft beers have higher quality, fresher, and sometimes even organic ingredients, which are grown locally?
If you have a chance, visit local breweries near you, and most owners will be more than happy to show you the ingredients they use and how they handle and produce their products.
4. Nutrition or Health Benefits
We all know that heavy drinking can take a serious toll on your health. Much is known about the benefits of drinking wine, but evidence shows that beer also carries most of these benefits, or even more.
What are the most common craft beer health benefits?
Beer contains higher amounts of protein and vitamin B than other beverages. The antioxidant content of beer, though different from wine, also has the same protective benefits.
As recommended by the USDA, moderate drinking is up to one drink per day for women and not exceeding 2 drinks daily for men.
Evidence shows that people who drink 3 or 4 times weekly are less prone to diabetes than non-drinkers. Men who had 1-6 beers per week decreased their risk of diabetes by as much as 21%.
Beer can also make your heart healthier. Moderate drinkers were found to have the slowest decline in good cholesterol.
Beer also contains a good amount of dietary silicon, which protects from conditions like osteoporosis. It helps the development of healthy bones and connective tissues. Malted barley and hops are two of the best sources of silicon.
Silicon has also been found to be effective in preventing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Moderate beer drinkers are 23% less likely to develop these cognitive disorders.
Did you know that beer can help clean your teeth too? It keeps away the bacteria that causes decay and gum disease. Hops in beers may also interfere with inflammation.
5. Good Variety
Why do people drink craft beer? It has a good variety to suit nearly every occasion! Brewers love to experiment with new flavors, whether it’s something sweet and fruity, dark and ultra-bitter, or even spicy! Think about the pumpkin spice latte that’s popular in coffee shops at the beginning of every Autumn. You can actually get that same warm fuzzy feeling by choosing a beer that matches your mood and the season. Actually, some bars even offer pumpkin spice beer!
The options are limitless as to what you can do with craft beers! Come visit us at Village Warehouse Wines and Spirits, a liquor store in Avon, Colorado. We support some of the best local brewers in town!
