Good Beer News: Guinness Is Actually Good For You
Good Beer News: Guinness Is Actually Good For You
“Guinness is good for you,” is an old advertising slogan used by the popular beer, but a recently resurfaced study found that drinking the beloved dry Irish Stout might actually be good for your health.
Here’s the deal
A study from the University of Wisconsin which recently resurfaced suggests that there may be a medical reason behind the so-called “luck of the Irish”, and it’s connected to the nation’s favorite drink.
In the study, which was first published in 2003, Professor John Folts’ findings seemed to support the old advertising slogan used for the beer: “Guinness is good for you.”
Among the findings in the paper was the revelation that a pint of Guinness could reduce the likelihood of blood clots, although the test subjects in this study weren’t even human, but dogs with narrowed arteries. But this study found that Guinness Stout significantly reduced clotting in the animals, unlike lager.
European Commission data shows that Ireland has one of the lower numbers of deaths due to circulatory diseases in Europe. So perhaps there’s some truth to this.
Folts theorized that the secret lay in Guinness’ mix of antioxidant compounds which similar to those found in red wine. “This particular class of compound, flavonoids, are also found in tea and dark chocolate” according to the Drinks Business.
The study also suggested that the optimal dose was 24 fluid ounces, just more than the 20 fluid ounces that make up a pint. This, Folts claimed, is as effective as an aspirin in reducing the risk of blood clotting. Ordering a pint and a half of Guinness could be one way to protect the heart.
“The original campaign of ‘Guinness is good for you’ started in the 1920s.” according to Meanwhile in Ireland. “It stemmed from market research where people told the company that they felt good after their pint. From there, the slogan was born.
Back in the day, patients in England were actually given Guinness to recover from surgery. Blood donors too, based on the belief that Guinness is high in iron. It was even advised for pregnant women back then.
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