The benefits and harms of beer: an objective assessment
Those who have decided to give up alcohol completely are convinced that beer is no less harmful than other alcoholic beverages. The lovers of beer are ready to argue, citing as arguments the ancient origin of the drink and its world-famous health properties. So which of them is right?
What do the doctors think?
According to doctors, high-quality beer, which is produced according to all the rules, is really good for the body. However, only if consumed in moderation. The norm is not more than 300 grams a day two times a week. Such doses will help to speed up metabolic processes in the body, which, in turn, will help to rejuvenate the cells of the circulatory system. In addition, good beer is able to fight pathogenic bacteria, have a soothing and pain-relieving effect.
Scientists have proved that beer contains flavonoids, which suppress the effect of carcinogens, a variety of vitamins and trace elements. As for the content of iron, phosphorus, copper, magnesium and other minerals, beer can easily compete with orange juice. Also, beer quickly eliminates aluminum from the body, so if poisoned by this substance, it can safely be used as medicine.
The problem is that the small doses of beer that are recommended by doctors, respectively, contain few vitamins. In order to get more nutrients, the volume of the drink consumed must be increased. And here there is the other side of the coin. Because beer has a diuretic effect, in large quantities it is able to wash out of the body useful substances. In addition, the fact that alcohol is harmful to the body when consumed immoderately should be added.
Does beer make you fat?
This is another question that worries a lot of people. It is not all unambiguous and depends primarily on the amount you drink. In small quantities, light beer can even contribute to weight loss, because it stimulates the digestive system. In addition, beer itself is considered a low-calorie product - no more harmful to the figure than milk or juice.
But in combination with salty snacks it can significantly slow down weight loss. Salt retains water in the body, which provokes the appearance of edema and slows down metabolism. The same applies to fatty dishes that are served with beer - the drink itself is hardly capable of adding extra centimeters, but the total caloric value of such a meal turns out to be high.
In order not to harm the body, beer should be consumed in moderation and in combination with the right snacks: salty nuts prefer cheese, dried fish - baked, fatty chicken wings - well-cooked steak. And to enjoy even a small bottle of beer you should visit a beer restaurant, where they will help you to choose a drink that allows you to enjoy every sip. We are waiting for you at Lambic!
Summer lambics: refresh yourself with a fruity beer from Belgium
When the thermometer is high, nothing is as refreshing as a cold beer. Especially if it’s lambics — a traditional Belgian sour beer with natural juice, which not only gives a pleasant coolness, but also pleases with deep flavor. Why fruit beer saves you in the heat Light sourness, sparkling «character» and juicy fruit notes make lambics an ideal drink for summer. Unlike heavy ales or bitter IPAs, fruit beers are easy to drink, almost like lemonade, but with a distinctive beer depth. It stimulates the appetite, quenches thirst and gives a feeling of freshness thanks to the natural juices in the composition — cherry, raspberry, peach or other fruits and berries. What to choose The best option for hot weather — sour lambics, which do not leave an unpleasant feeling of lusciousness, like a sweeter beer or soda. For example, the classic cherry Kriek MAX. The bright flavor of ripe berries and pleasant sourness make it perfect for a hot day. «Kriek» is not too sweet, with a slight tartness and a long aftertaste. If you like softer, sweeter options, Lindemans Pecheresse is your choice. This peach lambic has a honeyed and fruity bouquet, a light sparkle and velvety texture, and a slight acidity and refreshing note in the finish. A variant for cider lovers, but it’s still a lambic — Lindemans Apple. The drink has a bright rich taste, which perfectly balances the sweetness of red and sourness of green apples, pleasant aroma and refreshing aftertaste. Perfect for a hot day! How to drink lambics in the heat For a beer to be truly refreshing, proper serving is important. Lambics should be: — Cool down to 6-8°C — this will reveal all the nuances of flavor, but will not lose the freshness.— Serve in tall glasses — the flavor will «play». If desired, you can add ice to the drink, but do not get carried away — there is a chance to «dilute» the deep flavor of Lambic. And it is better to just have to go to Lambic! In our beer restaurants — a large selection of varieties from Belgium and other countries of the world. Proper serving of drinks, delicious food, cozy atmosphere and excellent service are guaranteed!
21 June 2025
Summer appetizers for Belgian beer: from seafood to desserts
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Belgian beer. But what to pair it with? When it’s hot outside, you want something light, fresh, yet rich. And that’s where seafood, cheeses, fruits and desserts come in, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of Belgian brews. Seafood In summer, chilled shrimp with lemon and garlic sauce are especially good — they set off the malty sweetness of pale ales and wheat beers. But other seafood can pair well with Belgian beers, too. Here are some ready-made tips: — Blanche de Bruxelles or Hoegaarden — whizbiers with citrus notes — can be served with mussels and low-fat sauces. — Saison Voisin, a farmhouse ale with a spicy hop bitterness, will accentuate the flavor of grilled oysters or calamari. Cheeses The Belgians know a lot about cheese, and their beers harmonize well with different varieties: — Sharp aged cheeses (such as gorgonzola) are a great pairing for a strong Tripel Karmeliet.— Delicate goat cheeses with honey go perfectly with fruity lambics like Lindemans Kriek. Fruit salads and berries In the heat of the day, it’s especially nice to snack on fresh fruit — it enhances the fruity notes in the drink itself: — Cherries, strawberries, peaches — a win-win for Kriek or Framboise.— A fruit salad with citrus and mint is a refreshing pairing for a blanche, such as Corsendonk Blanche. Desserts If you want to end the evening on a sweet note, give these a try: — Waffles with berries and whipped cream — duo with St. Bernardus Abt 12 or Chimay Blue.— Lemon tart — will emphasize the citrus tones of the vitbiers or lambics.— Chocolate desserts — the perfect accompaniment for Kasteel Rouge, Petrus Aged Red and Delirium RED, as well as all chocolate and coffee varieties. And remember: summer appetizers should be light and should accentuate, not overpower, the flavor of the beer. It is best to serve them chilled to keep the balance and enjoy every sip. Come to Lambic — in our beer restaurants you will find the best beer from all over the world and the perfect accompaniment to it. We look forward to seeing you!
21 June 2025