Beverages: It's Always Beer Season in America

By: Brandi Goodman

Vitamins-and-Supplements-An-Overview-of-Essential-Minerals

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? Americans raise their glasses for countless reasons, and the numbers speak for themselves: more than $100 billion worth of beer flows through our country every year. For beer lovers, it’s always a good season—no need to wait for holidays or big games to indulge.

But just because there’s a cold brew in your hand doesn’t mean you should drink freely. While many enjoy drinking beer, finding that sweet spot of moderation is key. So, let’s explore how to savor those frothy brews, reaping the potential health benefits without falling into the pitfalls of overindulgence. Cheers to making smart choices while enjoying life’s little pleasures!

What is beer and how is it made?

Beer is an alcoholic drink made through a brewing process. It is derived from the starches of common cereal grains, such as barley, yeast, hops, and water. It can also be made from wheat, oats, rice, or corn. The fermentation process produces the alcohol and carbonation. You can purchase a craft beer kit to make your own at home or any ready-made versions at the store. It comes in a wide variety of flavors and styles. American lagers, American pale ale, stouts, sours, and more make up the market, ensuring everyone can find a kind to enjoy.

Is beer a gateway beverage?

Because beer is often one of the first alcoholic beverages people try, it is said to be a gateway drink to other distilled spirits. Early exposure to beer and wine coolers can lead to problematic drinking habits down the line. That is why it is imperative to consume only moderate amounts of beer—or any other type of alcohol—and avoid overdoing it.

Is beer healthy in moderation?

Like many things in life, beer is fine in moderation. The bitter beverage can even offer some health benefits to those who drink it since it is made from barley. Barley is the primary ingredient in beer, and it contains vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12, choline, riboflavin, folate, and magnesium.

Like a glass of wine, studies have found that drinking small amounts of beer daily may improve cholesterol while reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Women should have no more than one drink daily, and men should have no more than two. Daily drinking is still not recommended due to the excessive calories and carbs.

Beer in a social setting

Many people drink beer for the social and psychological benefits. Having a drink with friends is an excellent way for many individuals to unwind. Beer also has relaxing effects, which can help you de-stress and ease tension. Sticking with just a beer or two is the best way to maintain these results for a while. Drinking too much can have the opposite impact. Have a beer or two with friends for a special occasion, but don’t visit the bar nightly; rely on beer or other alcoholic drinks as your only way to unwind after a long day at work. You need to find other, more suitable stress relief methods.

Ways to control beer consumption and drink in moderation

To control beer consumption, leave the drinking for the holidays and special occasions. Though you shouldn’t drink daily, it shouldn’t hurt to have a beer or two during the most popular beer-drinking days of the year.

October—and Octoberfest—brings with it some of the biggest beer celebrations in the U.S., such as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio, which had more than 800,000 attendees in 2023, or Helen Oktoberfest in Helen, Ga.

Regardless of the time of year, there is always an excuse to have a beer with a buddy, friends, or someone special. And the data proves that people do just that.

When is beer consumed most?

Pick a holiday, and you’ll likely see an uptick in U.S beer sales. According to various sources and data available, the top 20 holidays for beer purchases in the United States are (totals approximate):

Fourth of July - $1 billion in sales
Labor Day - $1 billion
Memorial Day - $1 billion
Super Bowl - $900 million
Father’s Day - $750 million
Christmas Eve/New Year’s - $575 million
Thanksgiving - $575 million
Halloween - $560 million
Cinco de Mayo - $420 million
St. Patrick’s Day - $400 million
NCAA March Madness opening weekend - $350 million
Easter - $340 million
Oktoberfest - $300 million
Valentine’s Day - $310 million
NCAA March Madness Final Four - $240 million
Black Friday - $240 million
Mardi Gras - $220 million
Mother’s Day - $200 million
Columbus Day - $180 million
Veterans Day - $150 million

According to the National Beer Wholesalers Association, off-premise (at home) drinking spikes on these holidays (in order): July 4th, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day, NCAA March Madness.

On-premise consumption (at a bar or restaurant, for example) occurs primarily on these holidays: St. Patrick’s Day, Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, NCAA March Madness, Memorial Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, July 4th, Christmas, and Labor Day.

What is the healthiest type of beer?

When it comes to finding the healthiest beer, it’s all about what suits your unique needs. If gluten doesn’t agree, a gluten-free option is your best bet, ensuring you can enjoy a cold brew without worry. For those who want to enjoy the flavor of beer while keeping alcohol intake in check, non-alcoholic beers are a fantastic choice. They let you savor the moment without the buzz, perfect for designated drivers or anyone looking to lighten their load.

Then there’s near beer, which isn’t entirely alcohol-free but comes in at a low 0.5 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). It’s an excellent compromise for those who want a taste of beer without the full effects. If you’re counting calories, light beers offer fewer, making them a popular choice. On the flip side, don’t overlook dark beers—they may pack in more calories, but they also bring a wealth of antioxidants that can benefit your health.

Craft beers are another option that many enthusiasts love for their rich flavors and antioxidant properties. Remember, while they can be a delightful treat, their calorie content can sometimes be higher than that of a typical brew.

Ultimately, the goal is to choose a healthier version of what you usually enjoy, allowing you to indulge without the guilt. So, whether it’s a refreshing gluten-free lager, a flavorful craft brew, or a light option, there’s a healthier choice for everyone. Cheers to making smarter selections while still enjoying life’s little pleasures!

What are the immediate short-term and long-term effects of beer consumption?

Overconsuming beer has both short-term effects and long-term risks. Though alcohol affects everyone differently, there are common implications to watch for. Even a standard drink can impact your reaction time. The greater the amount of beer you consume, the more chances you have of experiencing slurred speech, changes in mood, impulsive behavior, lowered inhibitions, and decreased motor skills. People who drink too much often end up feeling nauseous and vomiting.

Long-term side effects of heavy drinking are much more detrimental. You may find yourself dependent on alcohol to function and feel well. Due to the high number of calories in beer, you could experience weight gain. Over time, you also raise your risk of cardiovascular issues and stroke, liver damage, and cancer.

How does beer compare with other alcoholic beverages?

Beer typically has a lower alcohol content than wine and spirits. One bottle may have between 4 and 5 percent ABV. Many wines have more than triple that amount, and stronger alcoholic beverages can have 10 times as much. However, because of beer’s low ABV, individuals may drink more, making it just as risky.

Can the health benefits of beer be gained from a different beverage?

Red wine is another type of alcoholic drink that is said to offer health benefits. The antioxidant properties and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals are similar to those of beer.

If you’re looking for a relaxing effect, kombucha and herbal teas are better than beer. They can help ease stress but have fewer calories and less risk than alcoholic beverages.

Know what to moderate and what to get more of

Although beer is okay to drink in moderation, it should not be a daily beverage. Water will always be the best drink to ensure good health. Many things need to be moderated, but healthy habits are the exception. Drink plenty of water, exercise, get enough sleep, and receive routine chiropractic care for improved well-being on your wellness journey.

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