With conflicting stories about the effects drinking beer has on cholesterol levels, we take a look at how safe it is to drink, what type to choose – and whether it might even have some hidden health benefits. Show Is beer bad for heart health?Beer generally gets a bad heart-health rap thanks to its calorie and sugar content. This raises your risk of obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, which in turn is a risk factor for high cholesterol. But the story isn’t as clear-cut as it first seems, as beer may also confer some heart benefits. One reason is that the barley, malt and hops used to brew beer contain polyphenols – plant compounds that have been linked to lowering cholesterol levels and overall risk of heart disease. Beer is also a reasonable source of vitamin B6, a nutrient that helps dampen the effect of homocysteine, a blood chemical associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Heavy drinking – more than 14 units a week on a regular basis – still carries strong health warnings. But there is some evidence suggesting that consuming moderate amounts of alcohol, including beer, may help protect against heart disease. This protection is normally found in men over 40 and postmenopausal women. But in 2017, researchers from the University of Cambridge and University College London found that moderate drinkers (equivalent to a pint of beer a day) were less likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared with both teetotalers and heavy drinkers. This protection was found in both men and women aged over 30. The link between beer and cholesterolA cholesterol test will reveal the three types of fat in your blood: HDL and LDL cholesterol – the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ types – and triglycerides, another type of ‘bad’ fat. A healthy cholesterol level generally means having higher HDL and lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The good news is that some research, including one study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has found that a daily beer is associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol of up to 18%. Another study by Penn State University in the US discovered that moderate beer consumption appears to help people maintain decent levels of HDL cholesterol. However, the study concluded that drinking three or more beers a day was found to send bad cholesterol levels soaring. Drinking beer also has an effect on triglycerides, the fats in your blood. This is because beer contains both carbohydrates and alcohol, two substances that raise triglyceride levels – raised triglyceride levels often come with lowered HDL cholesterol levels. Most beers tend to be calorie-dense too, so if your consumption is high enough to lead to weight gain, this in turn could harm your overall cholesterol levels. Which beer is healthiest?Not all beers are created equal. Today you can buy low-alcohol beers and lighter lagers, but which is best for your cholesterol levels? Alcohol-free beerMost beers tend to contain around 4-6% alcohol. In order to be called ‘alcohol-free’, a beer must contain less than 0.5% alcohol. But do alcohol-free beers offer any specific heart health benefits? A small study by the University of Valencia in 2009 found that as well as reducing the dangerous build-up of fat in the arteries of those with high levels of bad cholesterol, booze-free beer also increased the amount of antioxidants in drinkers' blood, which could offer additional heart protection. Low-alcohol or reduced-alcohol beerTo be described as ‘low-alcohol’, a beer must contain less than 1.2% alcohol. 'Reduced-alcohol’ beer meanwhile, means it has an alcohol content lower than the average strength for that type of beer. Both versions tend to be lower in calories – for example, half a pint of reduced-alcohol beer contains approximately 60 calories, compared with a standard-strength lager at more than 100 calories. Low-carb beersAlthough there’s no fixed definition of what a low-carbohydrate beer is, standard beer contains around 11 g of carbohydrates per half pint, while low-carb beers tend to have 2 g of carbohydrates for the same size serving. Remember that low-carb beer has only been brewed to remove carbohydrates, so it could have the same alcohol content as standard beer. Low-carb beers are also quite difficult to find in the UK. The verdictAlcohol-free beer is the cholesterol – and general heart health – winner. Removing alcohol also reduces calories, which over time could help keep excess weight off and further protect your heart. Low-alcohol beer is also a healthy choice as it has less alcohol and fewer calories, but just be careful you don’t end up drinking more of it! Alcohol does not contain any cholesterol. However, because alcohol filters through a person’s liver, drinking too much can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels and heart health. This article will discuss the links between alcohol and cholesterol, including any associated health risks. It will also explain the recommended alcohol intake, healthy cholesterol levels, and when to contact a doctor about related health concerns. To understand how alcohol consumption and cholesterol levels may be linked, it can be useful to get some basic facts about each substance. The sections below look at each of these in more detail. AlcoholAlcohol is a legal recreational substance present in wine, beer, and spirits. In the United States, more than 85% of people over the age of 18 years have consumed alcohol at some point, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. In addition, almost 15 million people aged 12 years and older have alcohol use disorder. Although alcohol does not contain cholesterol, a person’s body may have difficulty processing it, which can lead to health problems. In addition, mixed drinks — such as cocktails — may have high amounts of sugar that can affect cholesterol levels. In turn, this can be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. CholesterolCholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that travels through the bloodstream and is used by the body’s organs and cells. The body makes enough cholesterol to serve its needs, but a person may consume additional dietary cholesterol through certain foods, such as red meat, shellfish, eggs, and some dairy products. There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL is sometimes known as “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the body and create a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, plaque sticks to the insides of arteries, making them narrow and hard in a condition called atherosclerosis. Blood is unable to flow freely around the body, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. HDL is sometimes known as “good” cholesterol because it collects LDL from the arteries and returns it to the liver, which breaks it down and removes it from the body. Learn more about maintaining healthy HDL levels here. According to the American Addiction Center (AAC), drinking more than moderate amounts of wine, beer, or liquor — such as vodka, whisky, and gin — can have a detrimental effect on a person’s health, including causing elevated cholesterol levels. In addition, the type of alcohol a person consumes can have different effects on the body. The following sections will look at these types and their effects in more detail. WineConsuming moderate amounts of red wine, which means no more than 5 ounces (oz) per day, is linked to healthy cholesterol levels, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). However, there is no proven cause-and-effect link showing any heart health-related benefits from drinking any form of alcohol. The AHA add that although some antioxidants and flavonoids present in wine may have the potential to reduce heart disease risk, these compounds are also present in other products, such as red grape juice, blueberries, and grapes. BeerBeer has a particularly negative effect on triglyceride levels. The AAC list alcohol as a drug that can interact with the body to produce high levels of LDL or triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides may cause a thickening in the blood vessels, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease or stroke. Liquor and cocktailsPeople often mix liquor, such as rum and vodka, with sugar-based liquids, such as soda, syrups, and fruit juices. Not only can liquor increase the levels of triglycerides in a person’s body, but the sugar provides excess calories and can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The AHA do not recommend drinking wine or any other form of alcohol to gain potential health benefits. As well as increasing cholesterol levels, drinking alcohol increases the risk of high blood pressure and various cancers, including breast cancer. The risks increase with the amount of alcohol a person drinks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is even the case when consumption is at levels considered moderate. In general, for optimum health benefits, people should either avoid alcohol altogether or only drink it in moderation. This means up to two drinks per day for males, and up to one drink per day for females, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025. The guidance adds that some people, such as pregnant people, should avoid alcohol altogether. One drink is measured as follows:
Binge drinkingBinge drinking can increase a person’s risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. According to the AHA, binge drinking means males consuming five or more drinks in 2 hours and females consuming four or more drinks in 2 hours. Doctors use a blood test called a lipoprotein panel (lipid profile) to check cholesterol levels. This test measures:
A person’s optimum cholesterol levels, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) below, will depend on their age and sex: High cholesterol levels cause no symptoms, so diagnosis relies on the results of a lipid profile test. Most adults should have a lipid profile test as part of a regular medical exam every 4–6 years. Adults who are at high risk of heart disease, who previously had elevated cholesterol levels, or who are currently receiving treatment for elevated cholesterol levels should undergo more frequent checks. If a person is concerned about how much alcohol they drink or needs help to stop drinking alcohol, they should speak with their doctor. They may suggest medications or provide a referral to a support group or specialist counselor. Although alcohol does not contain cholesterol, its consumption can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels. This is because the body breaks alcohol down into triglycerides that can increase levels of LDL, or bad, cholesterol. The sugar content in alcoholic drinks and mixers can also lead to higher cholesterol levels. Adults should get their cholesterol levels checked by a doctor every few years. Anyone who is worried about their drinking habits should also speak with a doctor. Which alcohol is best for high cholesterol?We do know that red wine contains polyphenol compounds that may lower the bad form of cholesterol, LDL. Moderate consumption of red wine is linked to healthy cholesterol levels.
Does beer cause cholesterol to go up?When you drink alcohol, it's broken down and rebuilt into triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver. So, drinking alcohol raises the triglycerides and cholesterol in your blood.
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Can i drink beer with high cholesterol
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