A six-pack of reasons: Making a case for non-alcoholic beer

I like beer, it makes me a jolly good fellowI like beer, it helps me unwind and sometimes it makes me feel mellow (Makes him feel mellow)Whiskey's too rough, Champagne costs too much, vodka puts my mouth in gearThis little refrain should help me explain as a matter of fact I like beer(He likes beer)Tom T. HallIf you love beer, you undoubtedly love the taste and the chill vibe. You probably love everything about it on a hot summer day or in a craft brewery with a group of friends. Forget the hangovers, the bloated gut, or adding another inch to that beer belly that you’ve been trying so hard to get rid of, or worse . . . Alcohol is deeply ingrained in everything we do. From everyday informal dining to elaborate gala celebrations, the consumption of alcoholic beverages has become ubiquitous around the globe. However, mounting evidence over recent decades has raised alarms regarding the carcinogenic potential of alcohol. In this regard, beer is no different than hard liquor (spirits) or wine. Alcohol is classified as a carcinogen in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Yikes! This is based on substantial evidence, meta-analyses and large cohort studies, demonstrating that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer. Liver, oral cavity, esophageal, colon and breast cancer have been linked to alcohol and the risk is dose-dependent. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is responsible for an estimated 5.5% of global cancer deaths. WHO knew . . ?Alcohol is also a known risk factor for cirrhosis of the liver, which increases the risk of hepatic cancer. Furthermore, alcohol impairs the immune system, which could exacerbate the development of cancer by allowing abnormal cells to evade detection, think natural killer (NK) cells.So if you believe the science that alcohol is the next cigarette of society, is there a way around this? Short answer is yes, but only if you are willing raise your mug and accept the non-intoxicating but glorious wonders of non-alcoholic beer. So I've brewed up a six-pack ways of getting around what ales you. All things non-alcoholic. Here’s how it is brewed up Non-alcoholic beer is brewed using the same process as regular beer, but with the alcohol removed through various methods such as reverse osmosis or vacuum distillation. The final product retains the characteristic flavors, textures and aromas of traditional beer but without the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Non-alcoholic beer typically contains less than 0.5% alcohol and has been shown to offer other health benefits, some of which may even surpass those of alcoholic beer. These benefits stem from the nutritional content and bioactive compounds found in non-alcoholic beer, which are largely retained during the brewing process. Talking with Andrew Bullied, a respected Calgarian craft beer brewmaster and owner of Annex Ales, he offered the following: “You might find this interesting, but in recent years some yeast labs have been producing special strains of ale yeast which don’t ferment maltose. These yeasts open up low-cost options for small brewers, and lots of breweries are finding some success with them.” Interesting indeed! A safer alternative The carcinogenic effects of alcohol are primarily due to its metabolite, acetaldehyde, which is formed from the hepatic break down of ethanol (ETOH). Acetaldehyde is a potent carcinogen that can damage DNA and disrupt cellular processes, leading to mutations and tumor formation. So many of the dangerous effects of ETOH are related to the fact that it negatively impacts brain function. The intoxicating effects of alcohol impair judgment, coordination and reaction times, increasing the risk of poor decision-making and dangerous behaviors. This can lead to injuries and accidents, or risky situations that might have serious, sometimes life-threatening, consequences. Eliminate ETOH and you solve a lot of potential problems.Non addictive ETOH is an addictive drug because it can alter brain chemistry, leading to physical and psychological dependence. Over time, regular consumption can create a tolerance, making it harder to stop drinking, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when alcohol use is reduced or stopped. Take away the alcoholic component of beer and you have eliminated its addictive nature. Of course, if you really like the taste of beer, you can continue to drink it a lot! Great for the gut Non-alcoholic means non-alcoholic beer contains prebiotics, which help support the gut microbiome. These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in digestion and immune function. Consuming non-alcoholic beer may improve the diversity and abundance of gut flora, contributing to better overall digestive health. Furthermore, the low alcohol content of non-alcoholic beer minimizes the negative effects that alcohol can have on the intestinal microbiome, which is often disrupted by alcohol consumption.Cheers to heart health and moreModerate alcohol consumption has been linked to certain cardiovascular benefits, but this benefit is often overshadowed by the negative effects of alcohol on liver function, blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Non-alcoholic beer, however, offers many of the beneficial compounds found in alcoholic beer without the associated risks. Non-alcoholic beer may help improve vascular function, act as an anti-hypertensive, and lower CV risk due to its high content of bioactive compounds.Non-alcoholic beer contains polyphenols, anti-oxidants that have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which play a critical role in the development of cancer. Non-alcoholic beer may help lower inflammatory markers, thus promoting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Perfectly craftedThe days of tasting something that could only be described as “almost flat musty bread” are over. Today's non-alcoholic beers have real flavor. Some of them even pack more hops and malt than the alcohol-filled versions. Craft breweries have caught on, and they’ve been pouring their hearts (and hops) into perfecting non-alcoholic brews. So, whether you’re looking for a fresh pilsner, a hoppy IPA, or a solid stout, there’s a non-alcoholic beer out there that could easily trick you into thinking you're indulging without actually indulging. Now that’s brew-tiful!We really don’t need alcohol to feel great. We just need the right beverage and the right company. Non-alcoholic beer may be a great step forward in enjoying the ritual of drinking without the negative consequences. Beer-illiant! In the end, it’s about being true to yourself and present with those around you, not about what’s in your glass.Prost! Dr. Ted Jablonski is a performing artist and writer who has retired his family practice to focus on sexual medicine and transgender health in Southern Alberta with two feet still on the front-line trenches of acute primary care.

A six-pack of reasons: Making a case for non-alcoholic beer

Register for free access or login.

More Blog Posts In This Series

Are vital signs still vital?

Addicted to medicine

Part one: AI versus MD—Who writes a better article?

Blog Author

Ted Jablonski

Related Topics