In recent times, you may have noticed that many people are choosing to abstain from drinking. IWSR, a company that analyzes the beverage industry, released a report in February 2021 predicting a 31 percent increase in the global market for non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beverages by 2024.
A new wave of alcohol-free beers has emerged in light of this development. These new brews, inspired by tasty craft beers, are made with health and wellness in mind and taste better than ever.
Non-alcoholic beer is a fantastic option for those who want to cut back on beer with alcohol without giving up the pleasures of drinking a beer. There are many reasons to think about these new possibilities, whether you’re slowly cutting back or in recovery from addiction.
However, before you go out and buy a six-pack, here’s what you need to know about non-alcoholic beers and your health.
What is Non-Alcoholic Beer?
Non-alcoholic beer (or NAB) is a type of beer with minimal or no alcohol content. Based on legislation, non-alcoholic beer can contain up to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Several non-alcoholic beer brands claim to contain 0% ABV, and some manufacturers also make gluten-free non-alcoholic beer for individuals who strictly follow such a diet.
How is Non-Alcoholic Beer Made?
Beer is produced through the fermentation of grains, a process in which microorganisms, most commonly yeast, convert the sugars present in the grains into alcohol and other byproducts. For non-alcoholic beers, some classic brands skip the fermentation process, which some beer lovers claim stops the beer from gaining a full-bodied flavor.
Other brands heat the beer post-fermentation to burn off the alcohol. However, neither process results in beverages with a delightful flavor profile. So, to adapt, manufacturers often add sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which die-hard beer drinkers claim results in an overly sweet beer.
Does Non-Alcoholic Beer Have Alcohol?
Non-alcoholic beer contains up to 0.05 percent alcohol by volume. This is because alcohol normally occurs throughout the brewing process.
Benefits of Drinking Non-Alcoholic Beer
1. Aids in rehydration.
Alcoholic beer has a diuretic effect and increases urination, leaving you feeling dehydrated. This process is reversed for non-alcoholic beers, with alcohol contents ranging from zero to four percent. Therefore, where alcoholic beer can dehydrate you, non-alcoholic beer can improve fluid balance and aid in rehydration.
2. Enhance cardiovascular health.
According to one study, with a sample of males aged 55 to 75, ingesting non-alcoholic beer can help lower blood pressure and inflammation. In addition, other tests using the same subjects revealed that beer consumption increased stem cells that repair and maintain the endothelium walls of your blood vessels.
3. Improve your fitness performance.
Does alcohol-free beer benefit athletes during strenuous workouts? In a sense, yes. In recent years, non-alcoholic beers have become more popular with active sportsmen and women because they contain many electrolytes that help athletes retain water and stay hydrated. Moreover, research has shown that the hops and malt-derived polyphenols in non-alcoholic beer can help athletes recuperate from workouts and perform better.
4. Encourage restful sleep and lower stress levels.
Hops are a vital part of the brewing process for a beer with alcohol and a beer without alcohol. Hops can be used as a food preservative and are the essential ingredient that gives flavor to a beer. Additionally, hops include the sedative chemicals Xanthohumol and Myrcenol, which contribute to better sleep. Researchers have shown that non-alcoholic beer also has the added benefit of reducing emotions such as worry and tension, similar to how the hops in beer improve sleep quality.
5. Improves your skin’s radiance.
The anti-inflammatory properties of non-alcoholic beer and its many vitamins help prevent acne and even improve your skin tone. In addition, nonalcoholic beer is a good cleanser that helps dissolve dead skin cells and improves the skin’s suppleness.
Health Dangers of Non-Alcoholic Beer
Drinking non-alcoholic beers during pregnancy.
A frequently asked question is, is beer without alcohol safe for pregnant women? The response to alcohol among pregnant women varies, but as a general rule, it is best for pregnant women to refrain from drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the most significant cause of birth abnormalities, and as mentioned in this article, many non-alcoholic beers still contain minimal amounts of alcohol.
Experts recommend abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy to eliminate the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disease (FASD) risk. So, to be on the safe side, pregnant women should avoid even non-alcoholic beer.
It is not ideal for individuals on a diet.
If you are attempting to diet and are counting your calorie intake, you should avoid drinking either non-alcoholic or alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer may be light on alcohol, but it still contains added sugar, giving it the same high-calorie count as regular alcoholic beer.
Alcohol intoxication and other possible negative effects.
Due to the low alcohol content of most non-alcoholic beers, excessive consumption may provide a modest risk of alcohol intoxication. Rarely, individuals with alcohol-related liver impairment may suffer considerably elevated blood alcohol levels after consuming this beer. Lastly, some persons may test positive for alcohol in their breath or urine after consuming non-alcoholic beer.
Non-Alcoholic Beer List
Here is a list of non-alcoholic beer brands that you can add to your non-alcoholic beer list:
- Untitled Art
- Heineken 0.0
- Budweiser Zero
- Coors Edge
- Lagunitas IPNA
- Best Day NA
- Odoul’s NA
- Athletic Brewing Co.
- Ceria Brewing Co.
- Hoplark
- Clausthaler Brewing
Conclusion
The substitution of non-alcoholic beer for its alcoholic counterpart is beneficial to health. However, while these non-alcoholic drinks may be a healthier option, it’s crucial to remember that they still include some calories and carbohydrates. Like any other food or drink, it’s best to read labels, steer clear of products with added sugar, and consume in moderation.
Experience Non-Alcoholic Beers And Their Benefits With Village Warehouse Wines and Spirits.
If you’re trying to cut back on your drinking, non-alcoholic beer may be a suitable choice. If you want to know where to buy non-alcoholic beer, check out Village Warehouse Wines and Spirits, a popular Vail liquor store, which offers an extensive selection of non-alcoholic beers for you to choose from. Visit us now and taste the difference.
