Non-alcoholic beer, also known as near beer, is beer that contains little or no alcohol. There are a few different ways non-alcoholic beer is made. Most start out as a normal beer that goes through an additional process to remove the alcohol. Others are made by limiting the fermentation process so that little or no alcohol is ever produced. Non-alcoholic beer provides the taste of beer without the alcohol content. This makes it an appealing option for those who want to enjoy the flavor of beer but limit their alcohol intake. Becks is a popular brand of non-alcoholic beer in many parts of the world. But is Becks non-alcoholic beer a healthy choice? There are a few key factors to consider when evaluating the health impacts of Becks non-alcoholic beer.
Nutrition Facts of Becks Non-Alcoholic Beer
Like regular beer, the ingredients in Becks non-alcoholic beer include water, barley malt, hops and yeast. The alcohol is removed through various methods after the initial brewing process. Here is the nutrition information for Becks non-alcoholic beer (values per 12 oz/355ml):
| Calories | 43 |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 3.6 g |
| Protein | 0.7 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 12 mg |
| Sugar | 0.7 g |
Becks non-alcoholic beer is considered a low calorie beverage, with only 43 calories per serving. It contains minimal amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat and sugar. The main nutrients supplied by Becks non-alcoholic beer are B vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and antioxidants from the hops. Compared to soft drinks or fruit juices, Becks non-alcoholic beer is lower in sugar and calories.
Alcohol Content
One of the biggest health implications of beer is its alcohol content. Alcohol provides empty calories and excessive intake can lead to alcohol use disorder.
The alcohol content of normal beer ranges from around 4-6%. Becks non-alcoholic beer contains no more than 0.5% alcohol by volume, meeting the definition of a non-alcoholic beverage.
The process to remove the alcohol also reduces the calories from alcohol. Normal beer gets nearly 100 calories per 12oz serving from the alcohol alone. Becks non-alcoholic beer has less than 5 calories from alcohol.
This very low alcohol content means drinking non-alcoholic beer like Becks provides negligible effects from the alcohol itself. Health risks associated with heavy alcohol use, such as liver disease, neurological damage and dependency, are unlikely to occur with moderate consumption of non-alcoholic beers.
Blood Sugar and Diabetes
For people with diabetes or prediabetes, beers high in carbohydrates can cause poor blood sugar control after drinking.
The carbohydrate content of Becks non-alcoholic beer is low, with only 3.6 grams per 12oz bottle. The glycemic index, a measure of how quickly food raises blood sugars, is moderate at 59.
This low glycemic load means drinking a Becks non-alcoholic beer should have a relatively small impact on blood sugar levels. The effect is likely less than many other beverage options like soda, juice or sweetened teas.
Of course, individual responses vary based on the person’s metabolism and diabetes management routine. But in moderation, Becks non-alcoholic beer may be a better choice for diabetics compared to sugary beverages or regular, high-alcohol beer.
B Vitamins
Becks non-alcoholic beer provides small amounts of B vitamins, mainly:
– Vitamin B6
– Vitamin B12
– Niacin (B3)
– Pantothenic acid (B5)
– Riboflavin (B2)
These B vitamins are needed for energy metabolism, making non-essential amino acids, and supporting neurological function. B vitamins are water soluble, so excess intakes are generally excreted rather than causing toxicity.
Moderate beer intake, including non-alcoholic beer, may help supplement B vitamin intake for some people. However, the amounts found in Becks non-alcoholic beer are low compared to recommended daily intakes. It would require drinking 6-8 bottles per day to obtain just the recommended intake for one B vitamin.
So while Becks non-alcoholic beer does provide small amounts of B vitamins, it should not be relied on as a meaningful source in the diet. Eating whole grains, meat, dairy and leafy greens are far better ways to obtain sufficient B vitamins.
Antioxidants
Becks non-alcoholic beer contains antioxidants from the hops used during brewing, primarily:
– Xanthohumol
– Isoxanthohumol
These compounds have been associated with anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects in cell studies. Hops appear to have antimicrobial properties as well that may benefit gut health.
However, the levels of these antioxidants in beer are fairly low compared to other dietary sources like fruits, vegetables, coffee and dark chocolate.
While it contributes, drinking Becks non-alcoholic beer should not be equated with eating high antioxidant foods like berries or leafy greens. The benefit is likely small, so relying solely on non-alcoholic beer for antioxidants is not recommended.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is critical for overall health. Plain water is ideal, but alternates like herbal tea, coffee, milk and soup also contribute.
Becks non-alcoholic beer is over 90% water, making it as hydrating as most other non-alcoholic beverages. It may promote hydration better than regular beer or alcoholic drinks, which act as a diuretic.
One drawback is that the carbonation may cause minor gastrointestinal distress in some people when consumed in large amounts. But overall, Becks non-alcoholic can be part of a hydration routine as long as intake is moderate.
Bone Health
Some research has linked moderate beer consumption to improved bone mineral density and lower fracture risk. This may be due to the silicon content of beer enhancing calcium absorption and bone formation.
However, most studies showing this bone protection have looked at regular beer intake, not non-alcoholic beer specifically. More research is needed comparing the effects of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer on bone health.
Based on its silicon content and hydration benefits, Becks non-alcoholic beer may support bone health when consumed regularly and in moderation. But it should not replace other habits like weight-bearing exercise, calcium intake and limiting soda consumption to protect bones.
Gut Health
There are some potential gut health benefits associated with non-alcoholic beer:
Prebiotics
Non-alcoholic beer contains prebiotic fibers like beta-glucans from the barley malt. These fibers help feed beneficial probiotic bacteria in the gut. This may help support a healthy microbiome.
Antimicrobial effects
Compounds in hops may inhibit growth of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. This could provide protection against gut infections and overgrowth of harmful bacteria.
Anti-inflammatory
The antioxidants in non-alcoholic beer may help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract. Chronic inflammation is linked to leaky gut, IBS and other gut disorders.
However, more human research on non-alcoholic beer and gut health is needed. The evidence is still preliminary when it comes to the specific benefits of Becks non-alcoholic beer for digestion and the microbiome.
Weight Loss
At only 43 calories per bottle, Becks non-alcoholic beer is a lower calorie beverage choice for those watching their weight. The low glycemic index also prevents large spikes in blood sugar that can drive hunger and fat storage.
Replacing higher calorie drinks like juice or soda with non-alcoholic beer could support a calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
However, there is no magic weight loss power provided by Becks non-alcoholic beer itself. Overall diet quality and calorie intake are far more important for losing weight. Drinking non-alcoholic beer should only be one component of an overall healthy diet and active lifestyle for weight management.
Liver Health
Regular, high alcohol intake from beer, wine and spirits is a major cause of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. Since Becks non-alcoholic beer contains very little alcohol, it avoids this liver-damaging effect.
In fact, some research suggests non-alcoholic beer may actually benefit liver health for those with existing liver disease. Specifically, it may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver for people with alcoholic liver cirrhosis.
More research is still needed, especially on those without existing liver damage. But the lack of alcohol definitely makes non-alcoholic beer a better choice for the liver compared to regular beer with a high alcohol content.
Heart Health
Moderate beer intake has been associated with lower heart disease risk in population studies. However, this appears to be directly related to the alcohol content itself, which can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and prevent platelet aggregation.
Since Becks non-alcoholic beer contains negligible alcohol, it likely does not provide the same heart health benefits as regular beer drinking. There is no evidence drinking non-alcoholic beer specifically lowers heart disease risk.
Additionally, being low in calories, carbs and sugar means Becks non-alcoholic beer has little impact on common heart disease risk factors like blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and inflammation.
Overall, while it won’t increase heart disease risk, Becks non-alcoholic beer does not seem to provide any specific cardiovascular benefits either, unlike moderate intake of alcoholic beer.
Is Becks Non-Alcoholic Beer Healthy: The Verdict
When consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, Becks non-alcoholic beer can be a relatively healthy beverage choice. Benefits may include:
– Low in calories and carbs
– Provides hydration
– Contains antioxidants from hops
– May support gut and bone health
– Suitable for people avoiding alcohol
Drawbacks to consider:
– Minimal nutritional value
– Low in vitamins and minerals
– Carbonation can cause GI issues
– Lacks heart health benefits of moderate, alcoholic beer consumption
Drinking 1-2 bottles of Becks non-alcoholic beer per day with meals is unlikely to negatively impact health for most people. It provides a healthier alternative to sugary beverages or heavy alcohol consumption. But relying solely on non-alcoholic beer to provide major health benefits or nutrition is not recommended. For the average person, Becks non-alcoholic beer can be part of an overall nutritious diet without significant downsides in moderation.
