Brewing up a fun and healthy new beer!

Eva Johnson | Contributor

Around St. Patty's day, I get all excited about beer. My husband is a home brewer and has also turned me into a beer lover as well.

Homebrewing is a great hobby, not only for the five gallons of beer that we enjoy and share, but for the added health benefits of the beer. Homebrew is a bit more healthy than the macrobrew, simply because we do not filter out all the good nutrients. Since beer and other alcoholic drinks get a bad rap from the health community, I want to set the record straight!

First caveat: One drink a day can be healthy. More is not better or more healthy. I'm writing this so you don't think I just gave you license to do a keg stand daily...

Now that that is cleared up, I have done some research on the health benefits of alcohol. I did this not only to justify my husband in his hobby that I enjoy so much but to rid ourselves of the guilt of having a drink from time to time in moderation.

Many diets tell you to completely eliminate alcohol, but that is absolutely no fun. Let me tell you how moderate alcohol consumption can be good for the body:

1. Alcohol raises your HDL levels! High Density Lipoproteins, or HDLs, are the good cholesterol in your body. They actually help rid your body of the bad cholesterol. I found out about this in my ACE certification coursebook. Here's the quote I read (and chuckled at) in the book: "Moderate alcohol consumption appears to raise HDL levels, but most health professionals recommend exercise as a better method." (ACE, 132)

Why not do both? Workout... and have a drink at the end of the day! Enjoy the benefits of better cholesterol levels.

Raise a glass and your HDLs!

Eva Johnson | Contributor

2. Beer and other alcoholic drinks can reduce your heart disease risks! From the National Institute of Health's PubMed website, I found this out: "From a nutritional standpoint, beer contains more protein and B vitamins than wine. The antioxidant content of beer is equivalent to that of wine, but the specific antioxidants are different because the barley and hops used in the production of beer contain flavonoids different from those in the grapes used in the production of wine."

Are you doing a happy dance yet? Just read on...

3. Alcohol has also been tied to a lower risk of blood clots and decreased levels of inflammation markers (webmd.com). Since blood clots lead to heart attack and stroke, this sounds good to me!

So, enjoy that glass of homebrew, wine or microbrew. Enjoy the relaxation you feel and the added health benefits!

Eva Johnson is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) certified personal trainer who is trying to change the idea that a pint glass of beer is unhealthy. She lives in chaos with her husband and two boys. To see her complete blog about how to stay sane and in shape in the real world, visit www.fitnessbyeva.com.