Craft Beer Isn't As Healthy As It Sounds, But There's Still Some Good News

Craft beer often features funky labels, quirky descriptions and creative ingredients. But while it might look healthier than mass-produced brews, the real way to select the healthiest option is by taking stock of what’s inside the can. Some alcohol manufacturers voluntarily provide nutrition facts on their labeling, though the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau doesn’t require it, which can make it difficult to compare beers’ nutritional value (or lack thereof).  But first things first. The Brewers Association defines American craft beer as produced by an independently owned brewery in small quantities (6 million or fewer barrels each year) and using traditional brewing methods. In practice, though, what many of us refer to as craft beers are trendy beer styles such as session IPAs, fruit-fruit flavored sour beers and hard ciders.  Big Beer still rules the market, with AB InBev and MillerCoors controlling 72 percent of beer sales, according to Business Insider. But after eight years of consecutive double-digit growth, craft brewers reported a 13 percent increase in volume in 2015.  Beer isn’t a health food, but it does have health benefits? Both mass-produced and small-batch beer contains selenium, B vitamins, phosphorus, folate and niacin, as well as protein and fiber. It’s also one of the few dietary sources of silicon, which can help prevent osteoporosis, according to NPR.  “Be...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news