Non-alcoholic beer is increasingly being called a beneficial alternative to regular alcohol and is even compared to sports drinks. However, doctors warn that despite a number of advantages, this drink cannot be considered completely safe and should not be consumed without limits.
Non-alcoholic beer has long ceased to be perceived solely as a substitute for traditional beer. Some studies show that this drink can indeed have beneficial properties. However, specialists remind us that the benefits depend on the amount consumed, lifestyle, and health status of the individual.
Candidate of Medical Sciences, cardiologist Irina Vasilyeva shared on her Telegram channel the advantages that non-alcoholic beer can provide and why one should not forget about its drawbacks.
May Help After Exercise
According to the specialist, non-alcoholic beer is similar in composition to sports isotonic drinks.
The concentration of dissolved substances in it is close to that of blood plasma, and the electrolytes and carbohydrates it contains help restore the water-salt balance after physical exertion.
The cardiologist refers to a study in which scientists compared the effects of regular water, alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic beer on athletes. Non-alcoholic beer showed the best results in maintaining electrolyte levels.
Moreover, unlike its alcoholic counterpart, it does not contribute to dehydration.
Source of B Vitamins
During production, some water-soluble vitamins are retained in the drink.
Research has shown that non-alcoholic beer contains bioavailable B vitamins, including biotin, folates, and pantothenic acid.
Although the drink cannot replace a full diet, it can serve as an additional source of some beneficial substances.
Benefits for the Gut
Another advantage is the polyphenols found in malt and hops.
These substances have prebiotic properties and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Studies show that polyphenols help increase the diversity of the gut microbiome and support the health of the intestinal barrier.
There Are Drawbacks
Despite the positive properties, non-alcoholic beer cannot be considered an ideal drink.
It contains carbohydrates and has a relatively high glycemic index. Therefore, people with excess weight, carbohydrate metabolism disorders, or a sedentary lifestyle should consume it in moderation.
Additionally, nutritionist Elena Paretskaya reminds us that such a drink cannot be called completely alcohol-free.
Most varieties contain a small amount of ethanol—usually up to 0.5%. For comparison, a similar amount of alcohol can be found in kefir.
The calorie content of non-alcoholic beer is relatively low, but problems often arise due to accompanying snacks. Chips, snacks, fatty, and salty foods significantly increase the overall calorie content of the diet.
Illusion of Safety
Psychiatrist-narcologist Marina Kalyuzhnaya considers one of the main dangers of non-alcoholic beer to be the formation of a false sense of safety.
A person perceives the drink as completely harmless and may consume significantly more than planned. As a result, consumption becomes regular and uncontrolled.
The specialist emphasizes that even a small amount of ethanol, when consumed excessively, does not benefit the body.
Non-alcoholic beer can indeed have some beneficial properties: it can aid recovery after physical exertion, serve as an additional source of B vitamins, and support gut health. However, it should not be considered a completely harmless drink. Due to its carbohydrate content, residual alcohol, and the risk of excessive consumption, non-alcoholic beer is better viewed as a rare alternative to regular beer rather than a drink for daily consumption.
