ng a pint of beer may improve heart health by increasing flexibility and blood flow in major arteries around the heart, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrition.Researchers from Harokopio University in Athens studied the cardiovascular health of 17 non-smoking men in their late twenties and early thirties two hours after subjects drank 200mL of beer. Endothelial function, a measure of how easily blood passes through arteries, significantly improved after beer consumption.
When researchers repeated the same experiment with vodka and alcohol-free beer, results were slightly different. While all three drinks provided some benefits on artery stiffness, beer containing alcohol worked the best on endothelial function.
The combination of alcohol and antioxidants in beer may contribute to these results, researchers said.
"Beer acutely improves parameters of arterial function and structure in healthy non-smokers," they added. "This benefit seems to be mediated by the additive or synergistic effects of alcohol and antioxidants, and merits further investigation."
Consumers continue to drive the demand for their favorite alcoholic brands, earning beer a first place ranking in the highest-growth category on the 2013 Brandz Top 100 list. While the drink may be beneficial in moderation, previous research shows binge drinking may raise the risk for diabetes.
