Beer is one of the oldest and most beloved beverages in the world. Nowadays, craft beer is very fashionable and more and more people are wondering whether to choose a craft or an industrially brewed beer and which might have a better impact on their health. Nutrition and food experts have compared both options in terms of ingredients, production and effects.
Benefits and effects
One of the main points that distinguishes craft beer from industrial beer is the quality of its ingredients and the production process. Craft beer is generally made with more natural and less processed ingredients, such as barley malt, hops, water and yeast, and usually avoids the use of preservatives and additives.
The alcohol content is another factor that differentiates craft beer from industrial beer. Craft beer tends to have a slightly higher alcohol content, ranging from 5% to 10%, while most industrial beers are around 3% to 5%. On the other hand, in the case of industrial beer, the filtering process removes yeast and other elements that could act as prebiotics. However, if the consumption of craft beer with active yeast is excessive, it could cause digestive discomfort or bloating.
How to choose between the two types of beer
Craft beer may have certain additional benefits in terms of nutrients and fewer additives compared to industrial beer. However, both types of beer should be consumed in moderation to avoid negative health effects.
In terms of health, experts agree that it is not so much whether one is “better” than the other, but rather how and how often it is consumed. Craft beer provides more variety of nutrients and antioxidants, but in a context of moderate consumption, both options can be enjoyed without compromising health.