The medical effects of beer, wine and pálinka

Beer is already used as a medicine in Poland and the Czech Republic: you can get a good pint if your doctor gives a prescription. But what exactly are the positive effects of this drink? Magyarvagyok.hu gathered some data about beer, wine and pálinka, as curing matters.

Scientific researches claim that 20 grams of alcohol per day prolongs a person’s life by two and a half years compared to those who do not drink at all. Beer and wine have positive effects on the immune system, and they are rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants.

Regular moderate beer and wine consumption hinders the formation of blood clots, thus decreasing the chance of a heart attack. It also increases the positive HDL cholestenone and decreases the negative LDL cholestenone level.

But it works only in the case of moderate consumption, limitless consumption might have harmful effects.

Studies have shown that some vitamins and minerals increase the body’s electrolyte content accompanied by alcohol. Their combination increases enzyme activity, hormone level, blood circulation, muscle and metabolism progresses, and the formation of blood cells.

One liter of beer contains as much antioxidants as 4-5 portions of fruit. Half liter of beer a day decreases the risk of kidney stone by 40%.  An average beer contains less than 140 calories per can, so its moderate consumption does not cause overweight.  Experiments have shown that the germination of barley generates a lot of vitamins like B1, B2, B3, B6 and H, and minerals such as Cu, Fe, Zn, Ph and Mg are also present.

Some types of beer contain as much B9 as 100 g of broccoli or 0.5 kg of tomatoes. Hops are also known as herbs. Lactating mothers often used hops to increase the amount of milk in the past centuries, as well as using it to tranquilize infants through the mother’s milk. Hop is also a component of many sleeping pills and tranquilizers.

Moderate red wine consumption decreases the formation of arteriosclerosis and the chance of heart attack.

The components of wine decrease insulin resistance, have favorable effects on metabolism and decrease heart rate. One glass of wine a day provides these favorable aspects but does not harm the liver or the nervous system.

Pálinka (a special type of fruit brandy in Central and Eastern Europe) has an average alcohol content of 40-50%. It has become the vital treasure of many Hungarian homes in the past centuries as an aperitif — or sometimes a morning drink in the countryside. Though a shot of pálinka consumed with empty stomach enhances the appetite, it has negative effects on the stomach. The best time to consume strong spirits is after a meal. Though they are less effective then, they help digestion in this way. Pálinka can also be useful as a disinfectant in case of getting cold.

Folk tradition often treated sore throat and coughing with pálinka and honey.

Pálinka is also good to decrease high blood pressure. Pálinka with garlic is the peak of folk medicine. Studies have also shown that marinating food in beer or wine decreased the appearance of harmful compounds by 90 percent.  Researchers claimed that the natural sugars in beer and wine hinder the molecules in the meat in getting to the surface. Thus these particles that are soluble in water do not transform into carcinogens. Marinating also makes meat more delicious. Beer can also be useful in treating plants in the garden. Even grass grows more rapidly when watered with beer. Beer is even used in hairdressing sometimes. Its B2 and B6 vitamin-content makes the hair stronger and shinier.

The study, however, does not tell anything about how the combination of these three types of alcohol modify each other’s effects.

Ce: bm

Source: Magyarvagyok.hu