Do you want a Brewski without the buzz? Make sure you read the small characters.
New research suggests that many low and alcohol -free beers are not as healthy as they seem – even if you reduce alcohol.
The warning comes as sales of non -alcoholic beers show no sign of slowdown, sales should exceed the second category of beer in the world this year, according to IWSR industry tracker.
In the study, scientists divided 44 young healthy men into two groups: one drank two bottles of non -alcoholic beer per day, while the other stuck with water over a period of four weeks.
The researchers carried out regular blood tests to monitor changes in blood sugar, cholesterol, hepatic function, body fat and even intestinal bacteria.
The results were not exactly refreshing.
Men who drank alcohol -free beers have seen significant peaks in their blood sugar and insulin, as well as increases in cholesterol and harmful triglycerides – blood fats linked to heart disease.
The zero -proof wheat beers and fruity mixtures, such as those mixed with orange or lemon soda, were the worst offenders. Non -alcoholic beers in Pilsner style have improved slightly.
The researchers said it was “probably due to the calorie and sugar content” of drinks.
This, they have warned, can cause driving weight gain and help fuel chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
These health risks reflect what nutrition labels are already showing.
Non -alcoholic and regular beers are similar in calories, proteins and Healthline.
A standard 12 ounce beer with 5% ABV contains about 14 grams of alcohol.
Compare this to an alcohol -free version, which contains only 0.5% ABV or less and only about one gram of alcohol per portion.
But despite the lack of alcohol, products often contain a similar number of calories.
Indeed, non -alcoholic beers generally pack the carbohydrates with regular those, mainly in the form of sugar, which is commonly added to improve the flavor after the abolition of alcohol.
For example, Coors Light At 5.8 grams of carbohydrates and only 0.3 grams of sugar per portion of 12 ounces. Coors EdgeIts non -alcoholic counterpart has 8 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of sugar.
But all alcohol -free beers are not created equal.
A 2025 Analysis of the HIMS TV company have found that the best -selling brands in Suntory, Guinness and Brewdog rank like the most concerned about health, with calories, carbohydrates and the lowest added sugars.
Health on the mouth of wood
The results are involved while non -alcoholic beer continues its meteoric rise.
IWSR projects that the category will increase by 8% per year until 2029, while traditional beer should slide 2% each year during the same period.
Much of this growth is fueled by young drinkers. Gen Z and younger millennials are increasingly turning their back on alcohol, with a 2023 Gallup survey Showing only 62% of adults under 35 say they drink – compared to 72% two decades earlier.
Even those who drink look at trends like “Zebra“”wet drink” And “Dry Januaryยป, Where moderation – not abstinence – is the objective.
“I think that people of my generation are more aware of their health and do not see drinking as a social obligation”, Kathleen Saloma, 24 years old, previously told to the post.
Even with additional sugar in certain beers to zero test, experts say that any effort to reduce alcohol is good for your health both now and in the future.
“Drinking too much alcohol in a short period can cause dehydration, electrolytic imbalances, altered coordination and bad judgment”, ” Amy StephensA sports dietitian for NYU athletics, previously told to the post.
She noted that this also increases the risk of dangerous situations, including sexual relations and dangerous drinks, and can cause alcohol poisoning, breakdowns or memory loss.
In the long term, the dangers are even more sober.
“Drinking excessive quantities of alcohol can cause serious health problems,” said Stephens. “This includes alcohol dependence, liver damage, heart problems, digestive problems such as ulcers and pancreatitis and cognitive decline.”
In January, the general surgeon made an opinion Even connect small amounts of alcohol to an increased risk for seven cancers – including breast and colorectal.