5 beer health benefits that will make you want to grab a bottle now

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Beer has gotten a bad reputation due to the growing concerns regarding "beer belly." And while the honey-colored elixir may be partly at fault, most experts believe that the development of an abdominal pouch is due to a combination of bad diet and no exercise.

WebMD writes that according to Hillary Wright, RD, a nutritionist and consultant for the National Beer Wholesalers Association, "beer belly" is due to consumption of too much calories, not just because of beer. In fact, when taken in moderation, beer has several health benefits that might surprise you.

Here is a list of the top five beer health benefits that you didn't know exist.

BOOSTS IMMUNE SYSTEM

Shape Magazine writes that according to a study done by the Oregon Health and Science University, beer can help fight off infection due to the presence of antioxidants. These compounds are known to help protect cells from damage, heightening the natural defense mechanism of the body.

INCREASES GOOD CHOLESTEROL

When taken in moderation, beer can actually increase HDL levels in the blood, according to Harvard researcher Eric Rimm, as reported in WebMD. The yeast, hops and grains that are found in beer provide complex carbohydrates, potassium and a small amount of B vitamins. Make sure to limit daily intake to one bottle for women and up to two bottles for men.

LOWERS HEART ATTACK RISKS

In a new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, researchers have discovered that women who drink beer once or twice a week showed a 30 percent reduced risk of getting a heart attack, Yahoo! Health reports. This is backed up by the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, wherein researchers discovered three to four beer intake in men also showed a lower risk of heart attack.

PREVENTS DIABETES

Men's Health Magazine writes that a Dutch study found that 38,000 men who were moderate drinkers for over four years have less chances of developing diabetes in later years.

STRENGTHENS BONES

Shape Magazine adds that women who have reported to drink at least two beers per day have stronger bones as compared to women who are non-drinkers. This is according to a research analysis published in the Natural Medicine Journal, which centered on silicon, a compound found readily-available in beer.

These scientifically-proven health benefits of beer may make you want to grab the first ice cold beer you can find but it's always important to remember that moderation is the key principle in achieving optimal health. Make sure to stick to the recommended daily or weekly alcohol consumption to avoid wasting these benefits.