Very few beverages have the worldwide popularity of beer. Most countries have their own unique beer and actively import those of other countries. The familiar crack of the cold can, the glowing amber colour when poured and the aroma, entice us to taste that bitter, woody flavour that so many of enjoy.
Different countries have different ideas about beer – some are even served hot – but most agree that the best beer is a fresh beer before its aromatic properties are destroyed or its carbon dioxide lost. Beer connoisseurs worldwide are as numerous as wine drinkers and like the later, there are beer snobs too! There are even beer schools for those us who wish to learn the art of tasting, pouring, pairing beers and even cooking with beer!
Like wine, beer consumed in moderation is also recognized for having positive effects on the human cardiovascular system by helping to prevent the clogging of arteries. Research also shows that it can increase the levels of good cholesterol, HDL.
Did you know that beer also contains as much as six times more potassium than salt? Complement beer with salty foods, therefore, helps to balance out the bodies potassium ions.
Beer generally has the lowest percentage of alcohol of all alcoholic beverages. The impairing effect of beer can be further mitigated by eating oily foods between sips because the oil actually acts as a coating for the stomach and slows the absorption of the alcohol into the bloodstream.
Anything else? Oh yeah…the yeast contained in beer has further benefits on the human body, such as a variety of vitamin B and trace amounts of Chromium, known for its ability to reduce the production of fat cells.
Whether you are a redneck or a blueblood, there's a beer out there for you, so enjoy it and share it!
