You have probably read this before, but it is true. Here is an article written by Jackie from the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance for this blog on the health benefits of beer.
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Jackie joined the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance in 2009 as research assistant after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in fitness and nutrition. Jackie’s experience in technical and medical research has allowed her to assist in the development of medical content and outreach efforts, with specializations in alternative care, cancer support programs, and social media campaigns.

Beer’s Healing Power
By: Jackie Clark

Alcoholic beverages, long considered a health no-no, may not be as bad as once believed. In fact, in recent years red wine has been touted for its health benefits. Red wine is high in antioxidants, which can protect against free radical damage. However, recent studies suggest that beer may be just as healthy as red wine in moderation.

A 2002 study found that antioxidant levels in participants rose after consuming white wine, red wine or beer. White wine had the fewest antioxidants. Beer and red wine both contained a high amount of antioxidants. The researchers suggest that beer could have possible health benefits of lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease and other damage from free radical cells, including cancer and aging. The researchers found that antioxidant levels did not increase after two beers, suggesting that only moderate amount provide any benefit.

Dark beer, in particular, seems to have more health benefits than a lighter beer. Dark beer has a high flavanoid content, which helps to prevent blood clots. This could be especially important for drinkers who are in the early stages of heart disease.

The latest research, conducted Italy’s Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura, is a meta-analysis of previous studies and validates previous claims. Researchers found that moderate consumption of beer decreases drinkers’ risk of heart disease by 31 percent, according to the study. This is equal to the benefit seen by red wine drinkers.

A single beer, other than the antioxidant benefits, also helps to calm nerves. This can be especially important in cancer patients or others with serious health issues.

Because beer is high in antioxidants, it can also help prevent cancer. All types of cancer, including rare and deadly cancer such as mesothelioma , develop because of free radical damage. Antioxidants are large strings of chemicals in your body that can capture free radical cells before they can do any damage to your body. Foods and beverages high in antioxidants decrease your chance of developing cancer and other diseases, such as heart disease.

Antioxidants also help to protect your body from sun and aging damages, which are products of free radical cells. Other than beer and red wine, there are a number of other foods that are high in antioxidants, such as many fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices, which can offer the same health benefit as beer.

Although these studies suggest promising results, it is important to remember that drinking alcohol is only beneficial in moderation. Drinking large amounts of beer damages your body far more than the benefit you will receive from the antioxidants.

However, overwhelming evidence suggests that consuming two glasses of beer per day can help to prevent a number of serious diseases, including cancer.

http://www.nutraingredients.com/Research/Beer-beats-white-wine-for-antioxidants

http://www.webmd.com/heart/news/20031111/dark-beer-may-be-better-for-heart

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/16/beer-health-benefits_n_1097445.html

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While we are on the subject of health, here is an interesting article on a study that found drinkers live longer than nondrinkers. While such a study is difficult to prove definitively, I think the results of this study are interesting and I buy into the thesis that alcohol plays as a social catalyst and that social activity has many benefits for individuals.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2017200,00.html

I have also read that one or two beers can slightly elevate testosterone levels, of course more than that (depending on the individual) does precisely the opposite. So, sadly slamming a 12pk before hitting the gym is probably a bad idea….