Can Beer Be Good For Your Gut Health?
Well, not quite yet... But researchers in Singapore have now brewed a beer that is rich in probiotic bacteria that is said will improve gut health and even boost the immune system.
One of the scientists, Alcine Chan (a food researcher), experimented for almost a year with a recipe of malt, alcohol, hops - and a strain of probiotic bacteria - until she was happy with her formula.
She says: "The hops are the main ingredient but they kill off probiotics so we had to find a way for the probiotics to be stronger so they were not overpowered by the hops." She is hopeful that, once manufacturing commences, the popularity of beer combined with the healthy components will ensure a good market share.
Ms Chan perfected her formula as a project for the senior year of her degree, drawing inspiration from the probiotic yogurt and dairy drinks she herself consumes every day.
What does this beer taste like?
It has a slightly sweet taste with a 3.5 per cent alcohol content - marginally less than the 4 per cent to 6 per cent of regular beers. In addition, every 100 ml of the beer (roughly a mouthful) contains one billion probiotic organisms, namely the lactobacillus paracasei L26 probiotic strain. Still to be given its own name, the beer will provide an additional and marketable vehicle for delivering probiotics - and all the health benefits associated with them.
How soon will this new beer be available?
Unfortunately, it will be some time as the researchers are: (a) Waiting for their invention to be patented and (b) In talks with beer companies on marketing plans.
Can other alcoholic beverages have health benefits?
We have written about some in the past in our earlier blog post here.
One such drink is known as Michelada. It is made with lager, limes, Worcestershire sauce, Valentina hot sauce, black pepper, natural sea salt and ice. While the health benefits of beer are sometimes questionable, the rest of the ingredients can safely be given a thumbs up. Lime juice with all its vitamin C; the sauce with its hot chili peppers; the natural sea salt helping replenish electrolytes; and the Worcestershire sauce full of vitamin B6 foods and other benefits.
Here is one recipe for Michelada where you will need:
- Lime juice
- Natural sea salt
- Ice cubes
- Hot sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- 4 Mexican beers, very cold
- Lime wedges for garnish
Place lime juice in a small bowl and salt on a small plate. Dip the rims of beer mugs or Pilsner-style glasses in the lime juice then dip in the salt. Fill the glasses with ice and add a few dashes of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Fill with beer and garnish each glass with lime wedges.
Why do we need to include probiotics in our diet?
“Probiotic” means “for life”. A healthy lower intestine should contain at least 85 per cent friendly bacteria to prevent the over colonization of disease-causing micro-organisms like E. coli and salmonella. So that means a ratio of 85 per cent friendly bacteria to 15 per cent unfriendly bacteria for optimum good health.
Unfortunately, many people have this percentage reversed but the good news is that probiotics are available in the form of dietary supplements and foods.
And perhaps it won't be too long before we can add a new type of beer that is rich in gut flora to our diet.
Sources
Alvaro et al. (2009). Composition and metabolism of the intestinal microbiota in consumers and non-consumers of yogurt. DOI:
10.1017/S0007114507243065. (Accessed, 2 October 2021).
Brown K, et al (2012). Diet-induced dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota and the effects on immunity and disease. DOI:
10.3390/nu4081095. (Accessed, 2 October 2021).
Exploring the role of gut bacteria in digestion. (2010). .
phys.org/news/2010-08-exploring-role-gut-bacteria-digestion.html. (Accessed, 2 October 2021).
Food problems: Is it an allergy or intolerance? (2015).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10009-food-problems-is-it-an-allergy-or-intolerance. (Accessed, 2 October 2021).
The iHMP Research Network Consortium. (2014). The integrative human microbiome project: Dynamic analysis of microbiome-host omics profiles during periods of human health and disease. DOI:
10.1016/j.chom.2014.08.014. (Accessed, 2 October 2021).
Written by Jane Chitty
Jane writes for Healing Natural Oils, a producer and retailer of high-quality, all-natural treatments for a variety of conditions as well as a range of beauty products. Apart from writing about those various conditions, she also covers general health, environmental and other subjects of interest. She has lived in Kenya as well as Cape Town, South Africa and spent time in San Diego, USA. She now lives in Somerset, England with regular visits from her far-flung children and grandchildren. She is a keen gardener and enjoys growing fresh fruit and vegetables with her husband on their joint allotment. As a result, there is something available to use in the kitchen virtually all year round. Her regular posts can be found on our blog.