Cheers! Lager beer could actually be great for your gut

Portugal - Beer might be better for you than you think! In fact, as long as you're not chugging it by the gallon, getting your sip on it can actually boost your health.

"Health comes in pints? I'm getting one." – Pippin, probably.
"Health comes in pints? I'm getting one." – Pippin, probably.  © Collage: REUTERS, ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP

Lager beer – either nonalcoholic or full of buzz-making goodness – might be great for your gut microbes, according to multiple studies by SciTechDaily.

A new report tested 22 men before and after having one beer daily, ranging from 0% to 5.2% ABV, over four weeks.

The study saw an increase of microbes in the men's intestines that are associated with positive health metrics.

Additionally, they found an influx of "fecal alkaline phosphatase activity" in fecal samples, indicating their intestinal barriers were functioning highly after consumption.

The Portuguese research team also stressed that, as good as beer can be in moderation, the safest alcohol content is zero.

So if you're looking to hack your gut microbes, non-alcoholic beer might be the ticket.

Understanding your gut's health

Your digestive tract, aka gut, is full of little microorganisms that have a symbiotic relationship with you. Heck, if it weren't for them, you wouldn't be able to eat so many types of food!

Ensuring those little guys are happy and healthy helps the body ward off diabetes and heart diseases while allowing you to feel full after meals.

In short: if you take care of your gut, your gut will take care of you.

Since it sounds like moderately sipping beer is another way to boost your health by increasing microbe variety, all that's left to say is cheers!

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS, ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP

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