Issue 1
|
JUNE 2011 produced by the bbpa
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A Refreshing Summer tale
A Sweet DISCOVERY
Pg: 2 BEER NEWS
Pg: 3
The Silicon link to healthier bones Pg: 4
The truth about beer
BARLEY
& HOPS
O%
Media headlines would mistakenly have us believe that while red wine drinkers enjoy good health, beer drinkers risk exactly the opposite. When it comes to alcohol misuse, you will have noticed for yourself that beer is nearly always held up as a ‘bad’ example by the media.
Brigid Simmonds
Whilst the misuse of beer and other alcoholic drinks is undoubtedly a concern, if you compare consumption figures amongst UK adults to 10 years ago, drinking has actually declined1, and the vast majority of adults enjoy consuming alcoholic beverages in moderation. This is demonstrated by statistics from the NHS Information Centre which show that the numbers of adults drinking at harmful levels in 2008 was 5.8% of the population. Furthermore, there is now a wealth of new evidence indicating that drinking beer is indeed a ‘safer’ option to other, higher strength alcoholic drinks. In reality, as a ‘natural and wholesome’ drink, beer contains vitamins that can help you to maintain a well-balanced healthy diet, fibre to keep you regular, readily absorbed antioxidants which can help to protect against heart disease and even some cancers and minerals such as silicon which
FAT
can lower the risk of osteoporosis. In addition beer contains ethanol, which whilst present in wine and spirits at much higher levels, in small amounts is known to be a protective factor against a whole range of health issues, including atherosclerosis, inflammatory disease of the blood vessel walls, strokes, type II diabetes, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease and dementia. We are also keen to dispel the mythical ‘beer belly’ – if consumed in moderation alongside a healthy lifestyle, evidence shows that beer will not cause you to become fat. In fact half a pint of 4% lager contains only 94 calories - less than the same amount of orange juice or milk and much less than a typical glass of wine (175 ml) at 131 calories. But the pros don’t end there. Beer is our national drink and part of our great British heritage. From the early ale houses of medieval times to today’s gastro pubs, beer is right at the heart of our social life. The brewing industry supports thousands of jobs with most ingredients being ‘home-grown’ and tourists flocking to our watering holes. On a final note, beer offers myriad tastes and complexities that appeal to a wide range of people. From refreshing lager, dark stouts, nutty milds and the well-known bitter, to fruit-based varieties and even non-alcoholic beers, there is a taste to suit every palate. We know that there is some way to go to get the all-important moderation message across to the
References: 1. According to data based on HMRC alcohol tax returns analysed by the British Beer and Pub Association http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/health-and-lifestyles/alcohol/statistics-on-alcohol-england-2009-%5Bns%5D (2006 data) http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data-collections/health-and-lifestyles/alcohol/statistics-on-alcohol-england-2010 (2008 data)
BEER
95% WATER
/2 PINT OF
1
BEER ONLY 94 CALORIES
public. However, there is certainly a place for beer in the lives of those who drink sensibly and enjoy a balanced diet. I’ve mentioned just some of the many benefits provided by beer, and we hope that you enjoy finding out more in this and subsequent issues of The Natural Choice. Brigid Simmonds, Chief Executive, British Beer and Pub Association.
Issue 1
|
JUNE 2011
thenaturalchoice
A refreshing summer tale
A sweet discovery
If you’re looking for a refreshing and thirst quenching drink this summer, then look no further than beer. A group of Spanish researchers from the University of Granada and the Superior Council for Scientific Research in Madrid has looked into the rehydrating effect of beer versus water after prolonged exercise. The research examined the role of beer in the recovery of metabolism after physical exercise with a view to determining the effectiveness of beer as a rehydrating beverage after normal physical exertion. During the study a group of volunteers were subjected to two, 60 minute exercise sessions, each consisting of a run at elevated temperatures (35°C and 60% relative humidity).Volunteers were selected to undertake the two sessions, which were separated
by a three week interval, in a random order, and following each session the volunteers were asked to consume either water or beer. The results showed that following prolonged exercise, moderate beer consumption can be beneficial and help achieve effective rehydration. Compared with other drinks, beer is also a rich source of minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients due to its ‘natural’ ingredients of water, barley and hops.This means that beer is an effective means of
rehydration and can also help supplement essential nutrients that are lost during physical exercise. This view is shared by the British Nutritional Foundation whose ‘Healthy Hydration Guide’ website describes the effect of alcohol on water loss and states that high alcohol beverages ‘such as wine and spirits, are not the best choice to stay hydrated’ whereas the moderate consumption of normal strength beer ‘results in a net gain in water overall’. So, if you’re feeling hot and bothered this summer don’t feel guilty about reaching for an ice cool beer!
Busting the obesity myth Of all the health myths surrounding beer, none is more enduring than that of the beer belly. And, whilst there is no general consensus as to the relation of obesity to moderate alcohol intake, there is a common misconception that beer drinkers are, on average, more obese than non-drinkers or those who drink wine or spirits. If this association is true, you would expect that beer intake would have an effect on general measures of obesity, such as waist-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). However, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that in general beer intake is unlikely to be associated with changes in these measurements.1 The amount of calories in alcoholic beverages is proportionally linked to the quantity of alcohol. Therefore, when you compare other alcoholic drinks by volume, beer has a relatively low calorific value. A quick look at the ingredients and processes that go into beer will confirm the logic of these figures
CALORIE COMPARISON ALCOHOLIC DRINK
CALORIFIC VALUE
½ pint of 3.8% bitter
85 calories
½ pint of 4% lager
94 calories
Standard sized glass of red wine (175ml)
119 calories
275ml bottle of 5% alcopop
179 calories
– there is very little sugar in beer as it has nearly all been used by the yeast as a food source during fermentation. Additionally, beer is around 95% water, and the major ingredients barley and hops are both plant materials, which contain virtually no fat. Also, consider how beer is consumed at home. As beer is primarily sold in single serve containers such as cans or bottles, it is much easier to keep track of how much you are drinking both in terms
of calories and alcoholic units than with drinks you pour for yourself, such as wines or spirits. In summary, when you take a good look at the facts, it becomes evident that the so-called beer belly has nothing to do with the beer drinkers’ choice of drink, but to other factors, such as food and exercise. In reality, if consumed in moderation and alongside a healthy lifestyle, beer will not cause you to get fat.
References: 1. M Bobak, Z Skodova and M Marmot. Beer and obesity: a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, 1250–1253.
While drinking beer is often seen as a male preserve, the UK brewing industry is trying to re-engage with women consumers. On the continent female beer drinking presents a very different picture to that here in the UK. The number of women who claim beer as their preferred drink is vastly higher. In Spain, 44% of beer serves are for women, whilst in Turkey the percentage rises to 61%. According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2009 UK women were more likely to consume higher strength alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits than men. Only 19% of alcohol intake for women was from beer and cider, whereas 57% was consumed as wine. As a consequence the alcohol consumed by women was also 36% stronger than for men. The beer industry today faces an enormous challenge to re-engage women consumers. Presenting beer as the lower-strength drink of choice means addressing issues of advertising, serve volumes and busting myths such as the ‘beer belly’. In the UK the BitterSweet Partnership (bittersweetpartnership.com) has been set up to help
alter women’s perceptions of beer, to discover what women want from beer and enlighten women on the sheer depth and breadth of the drink. Their research found that 42% of women feel that beer advertising needs to change in order to appeal to the female market. In addition, the burgeoning UK craft brewing industry has resulted in renewed interest in both national and local beer festivals. Such events allow both men and women to learn first-hand about the benefits of beer and the complexities that make up the flavours and aromas of our many British beers. With over 60 different beer styles to choose from there is something for everyone. Male dominated adverts can shape negative opinions amongst women in the UK but beer is a refreshing drink that can and should be enjoyed by both men and women alike!
FEMALE BEER CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY:
61%
WOMEN
44%
DRINK BEER
WOMEN DRINK BEER
19%
WOMEN DRINK BEER
UK
References:1 BitterSweet Partnership research
SPAIN
TURKEY
Issue 1
|
JUNE 2011
thenaturalchoice
A refreshing summer tale
A sweet discovery
If you’re looking for a refreshing and thirst quenching drink this summer, then look no further than beer. A group of Spanish researchers from the University of Granada and the Superior Council for Scientific Research in Madrid has looked into the rehydrating effect of beer versus water after prolonged exercise. The research examined the role of beer in the recovery of metabolism after physical exercise with a view to determining the effectiveness of beer as a rehydrating beverage after normal physical exertion. During the study a group of volunteers were subjected to two, 60 minute exercise sessions, each consisting of a run at elevated temperatures (35°C and 60% relative humidity).Volunteers were selected to undertake the two sessions, which were separated
by a three week interval, in a random order, and following each session the volunteers were asked to consume either water or beer. The results showed that following prolonged exercise, moderate beer consumption can be beneficial and help achieve effective rehydration. Compared with other drinks, beer is also a rich source of minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients due to its ‘natural’ ingredients of water, barley and hops.This means that beer is an effective means of
rehydration and can also help supplement essential nutrients that are lost during physical exercise. This view is shared by the British Nutritional Foundation whose ‘Healthy Hydration Guide’ website describes the effect of alcohol on water loss and states that high alcohol beverages ‘such as wine and spirits, are not the best choice to stay hydrated’ whereas the moderate consumption of normal strength beer ‘results in a net gain in water overall’. So, if you’re feeling hot and bothered this summer don’t feel guilty about reaching for an ice cool beer!
Busting the obesity myth Of all the health myths surrounding beer, none is more enduring than that of the beer belly. And, whilst there is no general consensus as to the relation of obesity to moderate alcohol intake, there is a common misconception that beer drinkers are, on average, more obese than non-drinkers or those who drink wine or spirits. If this association is true, you would expect that beer intake would have an effect on general measures of obesity, such as waist-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). However, a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that in general beer intake is unlikely to be associated with changes in these measurements.1 The amount of calories in alcoholic beverages is proportionally linked to the quantity of alcohol. Therefore, when you compare other alcoholic drinks by volume, beer has a relatively low calorific value. A quick look at the ingredients and processes that go into beer will confirm the logic of these figures
CALORIE COMPARISON ALCOHOLIC DRINK
CALORIFIC VALUE
½ pint of 3.8% bitter
85 calories
½ pint of 4% lager
94 calories
Standard sized glass of red wine (175ml)
119 calories
275ml bottle of 5% alcopop
179 calories
– there is very little sugar in beer as it has nearly all been used by the yeast as a food source during fermentation. Additionally, beer is around 95% water, and the major ingredients barley and hops are both plant materials, which contain virtually no fat. Also, consider how beer is consumed at home. As beer is primarily sold in single serve containers such as cans or bottles, it is much easier to keep track of how much you are drinking both in terms
of calories and alcoholic units than with drinks you pour for yourself, such as wines or spirits. In summary, when you take a good look at the facts, it becomes evident that the so-called beer belly has nothing to do with the beer drinkers’ choice of drink, but to other factors, such as food and exercise. In reality, if consumed in moderation and alongside a healthy lifestyle, beer will not cause you to get fat.
References: 1. M Bobak, Z Skodova and M Marmot. Beer and obesity: a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2003) 57, 1250–1253.
While drinking beer is often seen as a male preserve, the UK brewing industry is trying to re-engage with women consumers. On the continent female beer drinking presents a very different picture to that here in the UK. The number of women who claim beer as their preferred drink is vastly higher. In Spain, 44% of beer serves are for women, whilst in Turkey the percentage rises to 61%. According to the Office of National Statistics, in 2009 UK women were more likely to consume higher strength alcoholic beverages such as wine and spirits than men. Only 19% of alcohol intake for women was from beer and cider, whereas 57% was consumed as wine. As a consequence the alcohol consumed by women was also 36% stronger than for men. The beer industry today faces an enormous challenge to re-engage women consumers. Presenting beer as the lower-strength drink of choice means addressing issues of advertising, serve volumes and busting myths such as the ‘beer belly’. In the UK the BitterSweet Partnership (bittersweetpartnership.com) has been set up to help
alter women’s perceptions of beer, to discover what women want from beer and enlighten women on the sheer depth and breadth of the drink. Their research found that 42% of women feel that beer advertising needs to change in order to appeal to the female market. In addition, the burgeoning UK craft brewing industry has resulted in renewed interest in both national and local beer festivals. Such events allow both men and women to learn first-hand about the benefits of beer and the complexities that make up the flavours and aromas of our many British beers. With over 60 different beer styles to choose from there is something for everyone. Male dominated adverts can shape negative opinions amongst women in the UK but beer is a refreshing drink that can and should be enjoyed by both men and women alike!
FEMALE BEER CONSUMPTION BY COUNTRY:
61%
WOMEN
44%
DRINK BEER
WOMEN DRINK BEER
19%
WOMEN DRINK BEER
UK
References:1 BitterSweet Partnership research
SPAIN
TURKEY
Issue 1
|
JUNE 2011
thenaturalchoice
The silicon link to healthier bones Silicon literally holds your body together. It plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, the protein found in tendons, nails, hair, vessel walls and skin and helps in the fight against ageing.
SILICON FACT: Half a pint of beer contains 8mg of silicon. That’s nearly one third of the average recommended daily intake of silicon
A deficiency of this nutrient can lead to a number of health conditions such as osteoporosis which affects 3 million people in Britain. Silicon is not produced naturally by our bodies, and therefore must be obtained from our diet, from plants such as green beans, wholegrain cereal and certain types of mineral water. Silicon can also be found in beer – in surprisingly large amounts.1 It is found in the husk of barley, which is one of the main ingredients used to make all beers. In a similar way to infusing tea, the crushed barley and husks are steeped in water early on during the brewing process, resulting in the release of high concentrations of soluble silicon that remains in the finished beer. Professor Jonathan Powell, Head of MRC Human Nutrition Research in Cambridge, explains that a higher silicon intake can result in denser – and so stronger – bones,
in the longer term contributing to a reduced risk of osteoporosis. Despite this, only 2% of people realise that beer contains such a valuable source of silicon. The emerging health benefits of beer in terms of mineral content and subsequent maintenance of bone strength are further supported by research carried out in Spain2. The effect of beer consumption on bone mass in women was investigated by bone ultrasound analysis. Regular beer intake was found to be a significant factor in improving bone density, making those women less likely to suffer from osteoporosis and associated risks of fracture. Indeed, even those subjects who drank a small amount of beer had a significantly higher bone density than those who never drank beer.
References: 1. Sripanyakorn S, et al. The silicon content of beer and its bioavailability in healthy volunteers. Br J Nutr 2004; 91: 403-9 2. Pedrera-Zamorano JD, Lavado-Garcia JM, Roncero-Martin R et al. Effect of beer drinking on ultrasound bone mass in women. Nutrition. 2009 Oct;25(10):1057-63.
For more information, spokespeople and photography contact the press office for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) at Trinity PR on 020 8786 3860, email jo.gulliver@trinitypr.co.uk or visit www.beergenie.co.uk.