In honor of Oktoberfest, tap a keg and enjoy some beer – and its surprising health benefits!

You’ve probably heard that drinking red wine in moderation can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Beer has these same beneficial effects and perhaps a few others as well. According to research, the antioxidants in beer significantly improve the capacity for an artery to dilate, which just could have a positive impact on cardiovascular and heart health. Beer, along with tea, coffee and cocoa, provide antioxidants (specifically phenolic compounds) that reduce damaging free radicals in the body. One great benefit? Beer and other spirits can help raise HDL (healthy cholesterol) levels. But beer (much like red wine) can also prevent LDL (lousy cholesterol) from becoming even worse. And that’s not all, folks! Light to moderate drinking of any type of alcoholic beverage – including beer – may be associated with a significant reduction in the damage to blood vessels in the brain which results in development of cognitive impairment or dementia. There is also evidence that Alzheimer’s Disease may be positively impacted by light to moderate drinking. So, if you do drink beer, celebrate Oktoberfest (in moderation, of course) knowing you’re drinking to your health! - Source The Cleveland Clinic

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