What Are the Health Benefits of Lager Beer?

Lager beers vary from brewery to brewery, but the term lager generally refers to a beer that is fermented with yeast at much lower temperatures than other styles. The lager brewing process was first developed in Germany and has become one of the most popular styles of beer in the United States. Lagers can be either pale or dark, and the pale variety is one of the most popular-selling beers in the world.

Beer Nutrition

While not generally considered a health food, beer offers a few benefits that help individuals meet daily nutritional requirements. Beer is most commonly made from grains such as hops, barley, rice and wheat. Beer provides a source of both calories and carbohydrates, providing the body with usable energy. Beer can also provide a source of potassium and protein. Moderate consumption of alcohol is believed to offer some health benefits such as anti-oxidant properties.

Lager Ingredients

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Lager begins with a variety of hops which are fermented with yeast for a period of two weeks to several months. Hops are a natural plant food and surprisingly high in nutritional value. Hops contain vitamin B6, vitamin E, vitamin C and several essential oils. Yeast is a fungus and is a good source of dietary fiber and potassium, as well as a multitude of other minerals.

Calories

Calories are a measure of the heat required to raise the temperature of water one degree. The amount of calories in a food product is a good indication of how much energy it will provide to the body. Lager beers contain similar caloric content as typical beers. For example, a bottle of Samuel Adams Boston Lager contains 170 calories. Daily calorie recommendations are dependent on a number of factors, but the typical adult usually needs between 1,800 and 2,200 calories each day.

Potassium

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Potassium is a mineral that is responsible for regulating a variety of metabolic functions in the human body. Potassium is essential for optimal functioning of the heart, digestive system, kidneys and liver. A bottle of Samuel Adams Boston Lager contains 270mg of potassium, which represents about 8 percent of the body's daily nutritional requirement.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate is a highly digestible compounds that provide the body with energy needed to perform daily activities. Carbohydrates often come in the form of starch or sugar. A bottle of Samuel Adams Boston Lager contains 18g of carbohydrate, which represents about six percent of the body's daily nutritional needs. Approximately 60 percent of your total caloric intake should come from carbohydrates.

Protein

Protein is a nutrient needed for tissue repair and growth. Proteins are composed of amino acids and are commonly found in animal products. A bottle of Samuel Adams Boston Lager contains 2g of protein, which represents about four percent of the body's daily nutritional needs. Adults should strive to consume about 0.8g per kilogram of body weight each day to ensure adequate nutrition. Animal products are generally better than plant sources, as in beer, as they offer a more biologically complete form of protein.