Moderate consumers have a lower body mass index than non-drinkers, according to a study
Beer consumption has always been linked to poor nutrition, specifically the pleasure of fast food, and hence the famous saying of "beer belly." But a recent study refutes this myth is true, or at least in the case of Spain.
Since moderate consumers of beer that have participated in an investigation have a lower body mass index than non-drinkers, in addition to increased physical activity. Also, there were no differences in waist circumference as a result of visceral obesity.
Quite the contrary. The study "Beer, Mediterranean diet and cardiovascular disease," which was presented yesterday at the College of Physicians of Manchester, claims that moderate beer drinkers are the dietary patterns of the Mediterranean diet. Several experts from the Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, who have done such a study, understand that the eating habits of consumers in Mediterranean countries like Spain are very different from the Anglo-Saxons, where beer drinkers tend to take less healthy, ready meals, sugar, crisps, sausages, pork or polyunsaturated fats.
In addition, moderate consumption of this drink can have positive effects on the body. Thus, the consultant of Internal Medicine of Hospital Clínic, Ramón Estruch, said yesterday that moderate consumers of beer that have participated in research with a lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease and as figures of "good cholesterol" than nondrinkers. This is because it is a fermented drink made with natural ingredients such as water and hops, and a low alcohol content. It also contains vitamins, minerals, natural antioxidants and other compounds that benefit the body.
The key: moderate consumption
The Spanish Society of Community Nutrition (SENC) included in the Healthy Food Pyramid optional and moderate consumption of beer, of course, always healthy adults. Men are advised to a maximum of 600 milliliters per day, equivalent to three rods, and women two. Furthermore, according to professor in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Barcelona, Rosa Maria Lamuela, caloric intake of each rod is so low (90 calories per 200 ml.) That "in the investigation banish myths, like beer is not to blame for obesity.
This research, which is part PREDIMED, used a sample of 1,249 participants with a high vascular risk, and analyzed the relationship between moderate beer consumption, cardiovascular risk factors, dietary patterns and physical activity. According to Dr. Estruch, "moderate beer drinkers said that they eat more of vegetables, legumes, fish, cereals and olive oil, all goods linked to the Mediterranean diet."
