As if (yes, said like 'Clueless') you needed a few more reasons. If you do, here they are.

With our St. Patty's Day celebration coming up and Quad Cities on Tap following, step up your beer knowledge and learn that sometimes a little indulgence can be healthy for you! From stress reduction to B vitamins, here is what beer has done for you lately.

1. Lowers Your Risk of Gallstones

According to a Lifehack.org article,

"Beer drinking is associated with a reduced risk for gallstones, according to the Mayo Clinic. Gallstones are made up of cholesterol, bile and other things that cause pain in the stomach. No one wants to deal with that."

 

2. Heart Healthy

Runners and others in fitness, usually understand the heart better than most. It didn't surprise me that RunnersWorld.com had something to say about heart-happy beer.

"You already know that when it comes to heart health, red wine is usually the star, which makes sense because of how it can positively impact your cholesterol levels. But one of the reasons red wine helps is due to its ethanol content. Beer contains this same compound, which means that beer also lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol. The soluble fiber found in beer in varying amounts might also contribute to a more attractive lipid profile."

 

3. Behold, the Fountain of Youth

Organicfacts.net has a few bragging rights about the nectar of the gods. According to Biomedicine,

"Beer increases the potency and impact of vitamin E, which is a major antioxidant in the body. It is an important part of the maintenance of healthy skin, while also slowing down the aging process."

4. It's like Armor for Your Brain

Whether it's your physical shape or mental shape, Shape.com had an interesting insight into beer.

"Compounds in hops may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, according to a new study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry. Chinese researchers discovered that hops compound xanthohumol, known to have antioxidant and anticancer benefits, may slow the development of neurodegenerative diseases. "

5. Forget the Apple, Beer Helps Keep the Doctor Away

According to one Spain researcher, up to 3 beers can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Naturally, I wouldn't suggest doing that every day. Neither would your doctor. Boosting immunity is helped by reducing inflammation and EverydayHealth.com has a great reasons.

"Hops, the female flowers of the hop plant, give beer its tangy, bitter taste. These bright green buds are also chock-full of chemicals known as bitter acids, which have an array of health-promoting effects. Bitter acids are powerful inflammation fighters, according to a 2009 laboratory study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. One type of bitter acid, humulone, offers promise for both preventing and treating viral respiratory infections in a 2013 study funded by Japanese beer manufacturer Sapporo."

Whether you need a health reason or not, be sure to make this note. Quad Cities on Tap is coming! Mark your calendar for April 16th and join us at the QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island, IL. for your sips, tastes and slurps. Go VIP and get in one-hour before anyone else so you can start sampling hundreds of lagers, ales, micro-brews and beer, before the rest of the crowd. Get your tickets HERE.