Beer consumption has been found to increase the number of health-promoting bacteria in the gut microbiome of men, according to a recent study by scientists at the Universidade Nova de Lisboa. The study involved 22 healthy men, half of whom were given a 0.33-liter bottle of lager beer with 5.2% alcohol after dinner each day for four weeks, while the other half received alcohol-free lager beer. The researchers examined key health parameters such as body mass index, serum markers of heart health, and the gut microbiome at the beginning and end of the study. The analysis showed that both alcoholic and non-alcoholic lager beer increased the number of bacterial species in the gut, particularly those associated with positive health effects such as the function of the gut barrier.
The researchers believe that the increase in health-promoting bacteria may be due to the secondary plant compounds (polyphenols) in beer or the microorganisms produced during fermentation. However, they cannot yet determine the exact mechanism behind the positive effect of beer consumption on the gut microbiome. The study found no negative impact on weight, heart health, or metabolism from either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beer consumption. The researchers emphasized that from a health perspective, non-alcoholic beer should be consumed instead of alcoholic beer, despite the fact that the alcohol content did not play a role in the study’s low consumption levels.
Further studies are needed to determine whether beer consumption has a positive effect on the gut microbiome of women and to investigate the effects of other types of beer. The study highlights the significant impact of diet on gut flora and overall health and suggests that moderate beer consumption may have health benefits.
