Which Beer Is Good For Health In India? A Complete Guide

As one of the world’s oldest alcoholic beverages, beer has stood the test of time. And despite its ultra-smooth flavors and texture, the ‘beer’ as an alcoholic beverage, has often been involved in the classic argument of: “Is beer good for health?”

Worry not, in this article, we’ve talked about the possible health benefits of beer, general nutrients in a beer, as well as the not-so-good side of drinking beer. Because in the end, alcohol, especially if consumed irresponsibly, can have negative effects on your body. But if you’re also wondering, “which beer is good for health in India?”, we’ve got you covered.

Beer: Good Or Bad For Health, Which Beer Is Good For Health In India, And More

The Positive Health Effects Of Beer

When consumed in small amounts, responsibly (not daily), beer can have a few positive effects on your health. These are mentioned below:

• Light beer can help reduce the risk of kidney stones, as per a study conducted on the nutrient intake and the risk of kidney stones among male smokers.
• It is also linked to a mineral that can strengthen bones and even osteoporosis.
• Beer consumption is linked to stress relief, especially if consumed after a long, hectic day.
• Some studies also mention that moderate beer consumption can lower the risk of heart diseases. It is also believed to have the HDL cholesterol, considered to be good for your heart.

Also Read: Sip Smart: 5 Alcoholic Drinks Under 100 Calories

The Negative Effects Of Beer

• Beer packs plenty of calories – so unregulated consumption can lead to the famed ‘beer belly’.
• Beer drinking can also cause weight gain as a result of increase in calories and fat deposition in the body.
• Long-term or unregulated drinking can have adverse effects on your liver, sleep cycle, and general bodily functions.
• Long-term consumption of beer is also associated with developing an addiction towards alcohol.

Which Beer Is Good For Health In India?

While there is no brand in India that makes ‘healthy’ beer per se, there are a few brands that do it slightly differently. They make beer with low calories, eliminate artificial flavors and preservatives, and focus on natural, high-quality local ingredients. This makes these beers comparatively less unhealthy than many others in the market. 

There are a few brands that also have ‘zero-proof’ beers – essentially beverages with no alcohol content but taste that is unusually similar to that of alcohol-rich beer! These ‘beers’ are great for those consumers who do not wish to consume alcohol but crave for a taste of beer.

Here are a few Indian beers offering better, more health-conscious options for beer consumers in the country:

• Bira 91: Bira White has extremely low bitterness and is available in 330 ml and 650 ml bottles and 500 ml cans.

Price: INR 170 onwards in Mumbai

• Heineken: The globally renowned beer brand, Heineken, has a Heineken 0.0, a non-alcoholic beer. Heineken 0.0 contains 0.0% liquor ale lager and has fruity, delicate notes.

Price: INR 120 onwards in Mumbai

• Budweiser: Why drink the usual Budweiser when you can have its 0.0 version? It is brewed with the same signature ingredients as Budweiser beer but the alcohol is stripped off right towards the end.

Price: INR 90 onwards in Mumbai

• Coolberg: This one’s quite a reputed name in India for its non-alcoholic beverages. Coolberg has many exciting flavors like strawberry, mint, peach, and ginger, among others.

Price: INR 99 onwards in Mumbai

Also Read: The Rise of Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Beers: A Trend Redefining India's Beer Market

What Does Your Beer Contain?

Beer mainly contains four primary ingredients – namely water, hops, grains, and yeast. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in lending the beer a distinct flavor, texture, and smoothness. While water acts as the base for the beer, grains provide sugar for fermentation. Yeast converts this sugar into ethanol and the hops add bitterness and aroma.

Along with that, beer can also provide essential nutrients like vitamin B, antioxidants, and minerals – of course, when consumed in moderation. So, if you’re wondering if your ‘beer is good for stomach’, it might have a positive effect thanks to these vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

From a regular 330 ml pint of beer, here are the nutrients you can derive:

• Calories: ~150
• Alcohol: Generally about 4% to 6%
• Carbohydrates: 13 to 15 grams
• Minerals: Minute quantities of magnesium, potassium, and silicon
• Vitamins: Minute quantities of B vitamins like folate, niacin, and riboflavin.

How Much Beer Is Too Much Beer?

Global health experts suggest that men should have no more than 2 small beers a day. On the other hand, women should have no more than 1 small beer a day. But, hold on! That doesn’t mean you are free to have it every single day! Daily consumption of beer will inadvertently lead to alcohol dependence, disturbed sleep cycle, kidney damage, and heart issues over a prolonged period of time.

Not just that, beer should not be consumed by pregnant women, people with liver/kidney problems, and people with any level of diabetes or those recovering from alcohol dependence.

Summing Up

To sum it all up, beer is, at the end of the day, not a healthy drink. In fact, any beverage with alcohol content is not good for your health – if had in disproportionate, unregulated amounts over a long time. But, if had in regulation and if the beer contains fewer calories, lesser additives, more vitamins and minerals, and lesser alcohol content, it can prove to be way less harmful for your body. So, choose consciously and drink responsibly!