Research shows that middle-aged women who consume up to two servings of beer a day have stronger bones compared to women who avoid drinking beer. Postmenopausal women tend to experience a decline in bone mass, and beer contains a significant amount of silicon, a mineral essential for bone health. Don’t worry, men – beer in moderation is good for you too. People who drink beer have about 80 percent less risk of developing various heart diseases. Beer consumption increases levels of good cholesterol (HDL), which protects blood vessels and the heart from atherosclerosis and reduces blood clotting that can cause heart attacks.
The first beer was brewed 6,000 years ago in the Middle East. Some theories suggest the earliest beers were created by accident when stored grains turned into a porridge-like mash. In Israel, a bottle of beer costs on average about NIS 26 at a pub – quite a steep price compared to Ukraine, where beer is sold for just 50 cents.
Beers around the world fall into two main families: lager and ale – a division based on yeast types. Among the popular beer brands you’ll find Heineken, Carlsberg, Tuborg, Guinness, Bass, Corona, and Weihenstephan. If you’ve ever visited South America, don’t forget to pick up Homer Simpson’s favorite – Duff Beer. In the Netherlands, by the way, there’s a non-alcoholic beer brewery… for dogs. If you want to brew beer at home, it’s technically possible, but not exactly easy. The main ingredients are water, malt (made from barley), hops, and yeast. We’ll go grab a beer at the pub. Who’s joining?