Put down your Activia. There may be a more enjoyable way to support gut health — with beer.
According to a professor at Amsterdam University, strong beers can be “very, very healthy” for gut health when consumed in moderation.
Eric Classen presented his beer-based probiotic research at a conference hosted by probiotic drink maker Yakult. Classen’s research revealed that strong Belgian beers like Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier have more probiotics than their weaker counterparts, according to The Telegraph.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strong-beer-BEERHEALTH1219-e77d6ac42f4e46f18db53366e85dc036.jpg "Drinking 'Strong Beer' Is Just As Good for Your Gut As Taking Probiotics, Study Finds (1)")
The difference is in the fermentation process. While most beers are only fermented once, a beer (like a strong Belgian) that goes through fermentation twice has more of a specific type of probiotic yeast that kills disease-causing bacteria in the gut.
Regular probiotics are most commonly linked to a healthy digestive tract and increased immune system support.
Classen concluded that "if you drink just one of these [probiotic rich] beers every day it would be very good for you.”
Just don’t go too far the other way as excessive drinking can damage the healthy bacteria in your gut.
Although this seems like a pretty awesome way to support digestive health, it’s important to note that the scientific community is not in universal agreement about the benefits of probiotics.
Last year a study by the journal Cell, revealed that probiotics might not be universally beneficial and, in some people, could actually bring “potential adverse side effect[s].”
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of gut health and probiotics, I can definitely shed light on the interesting intersection between beer and digestive wellness. Eric Classen's research from Amsterdam University, which was presented at a conference hosted by Yakult, delves into the probiotic benefits found in certain types of beer, particularly strong Belgian varieties like Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel, and Echt Kriekenbier.
Classen's findings highlighted that these strong beers undergo a unique fermentation process, occurring twice instead of the usual single fermentation. This dual fermentation contributes to an increased presence of a specific probiotic yeast, which has shown the ability to combat disease-causing bacteria in the gut. Essentially, these beers possess more probiotics compared to their weaker counterparts.
Probiotics, typically associated with supporting a healthy digestive tract and bolstering the immune system, are indeed present in these select beers due to their fermentation methods. The specific probiotic yeast strains in these beers are believed to contribute positively to gut health by potentially eliminating harmful bacteria.
However, it's crucial to exercise moderation in consumption. Classen's suggestion of enjoying one of these probiotic-rich beers per day aligns with the idea of reaping potential benefits without overindulging. Excessive alcohol consumption can adversely impact the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut, counteracting the positive effects of the probiotics.
The debate over probiotics' universal benefits is ongoing within the scientific community. While Classen's research points to potential advantages, a study published in the journal Cell suggests that probiotics may not universally benefit everyone and could even lead to adverse effects in certain individuals.
In summary, while these findings about probiotic-rich beers offer an intriguing perspective on supporting gut health, it's essential to approach consumption sensibly and be aware of individual reactions. As with any health-related matter, consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance is advisable before making significant dietary changes or adopting new habits.
If you'd like more information on gut health, probiotics, or the impact of fermentation processes on food and beverages, I'm here to help!
