Is Non Alcoholic Beer Bad For You?

What Is Non-Alcoholic Beer?

Non-alcoholic beer, often abbreviated as NA beer or non-alcohol beer, is a type of beer that contains very low or negligible levels of alcohol. The alcohol content in non-alcoholic beer typically ranges from 0.0% to 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Non-alcoholic beer is becoming more and more popular as it’s a great way to reduce your alcohol consumption whilst not feeling as though you’re missing out on the taste or experience of drinking which you may feel pressured to do when with your peers.

It’s important to note that the taste and quality of non-alcoholic beers can vary widely among brands, and some may have a slightly different flavour profile compared to their alcoholic counterparts. However, the market for non-alcoholic beers has been growing, and many breweries have improved the quality and diversity of their non-alcoholic offerings to cater to a broader audience.

Does Non-Alcoholic Beer Have Any Health Benefits?

Another popular reason for the growing demand for non-alcoholic beer is the positive health effects when compared to alcoholic beer. One of the potential advantages of drinking non-alcoholic beer is that it’s low in calories, and therefore contains significantly fewer calories than alcohol which is known to be high in calories. This can be appealing to those who want to enjoy the taste of beer without the extra calories.

Non-alcoholic beer is also a good option if you’re looking to manage your weight or maintain a balanced diet. Non-alcoholic beer is also a hydrating drink, as it is mostly composed of water. This can make it a better choice than alcoholic beer when you’re looking to stay refreshed and hydrated, particularly in social settings.

Beer, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, contains antioxidants, which are derived from the malt and hops used in the brewing process. These antioxidants have the potential to help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to overall health and protect from cardiovascular diseases. Another benefit of non-alcoholic beer is that naturally, it contains no alcohol, so doesn’t carry the risks associated with alcohol consumption, such as impaired judgment, addiction, and various health issues linked to excessive drinking.

Non-alcoholic beer can be a healthier alternative to alcoholic beer in many respects. It offers the potential benefits of low calories, hydration, antioxidants, and a reduced risk of alcohol-related issues. However, it’s essential to consume it in moderation and as part of a balanced diet to fully enjoy its potential health advantages.

Is Non-Alcoholic Beer Bad for Your Health?

Non-alcoholic beer is generally considered to be a healthier option when compared to regular alcoholic beer, but whether it is bad for your health depends on various factors and individual circumstances. While non-alcoholic beer typically contains fewer calories than alcoholic beer, it is not calorie-free. Some non-alcoholic beers may have added sugars to improve taste. If you are concerned about sugar intake, you should check the label for information on added sugars.

In some cases, non-alcoholic beer may not be entirely alcohol-free, despite being labelled as such. It can contain trace amounts of alcohol, typically less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. This may not be suitable if someone needs to avoid alcohol completely, for example, if you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction. This misleading information could also lead to overconsumption, as some people may be inclined to drink more non-alcoholic beer because it lacks the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Excessive consumption of any beverage, even non-alcoholic beer, can have negative consequences, including excessive calorie intake and potential health issues.

Non-alcoholic beer is not without its drawbacks, you must be mindful of the potential negatives, especially in terms of calorie and sugar content, and avoid overconsumption. If you have specific dietary restrictions or health concerns, it’s advisable to read labels and choose non-alcoholic beer options that align with your preferences and needs. Additionally, if you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction, you should consult with a medical expert regarding the appropriateness of consuming non-alcoholic beer.

Non-Alcoholic Beer vs. Other Alternatives

Sparkling water and herbal tea are non-alcoholic beer alternatives that are healthier options. Non-alcoholic beer aims to replicate the flavour and aroma of regular beer, making it a suitable choice for those who enjoy the taste of beer but do not want to become intoxicated. On the other hand, sparkling water is typically unflavoured or lightly flavoured with natural essences, offering a clean, refreshing, and carbonated experience without mimicking alcoholic beverages. Like sparkling water, herbal tea contains zero alcohol content, however non-alcoholic beer still contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.

The choice between non-alcoholic beer, sparkling water, and herbal tea depends on your preferences. Non-alcoholic beer is a suitable option if you enjoy the taste of beer but want to avoid alcohol. Sparkling water is a calorie-free, refreshing choice for everyday hydration. Herbal tea offers a wide range of flavours and potential health benefits. Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your personal taste and specific needs in terms of hydration, flavour, and health considerations.

Moderation and Personal Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is a toxic and psychoactive substance that contributes to 3 million deaths each year globally and is responsible for more than 5% of the global burden of disease. Removing the alcohol content and reducing your intake will greatly minimise the health risks associated with drinking alcohol. Moderation helps control calorie intake. Overconsumption of caloric beverages, even non-alcoholic ones, can lead to weight gain, obesity, and related health issues.

Some beverages, such as those high in added sugars, can contribute to health risks when consumed excessively. Moderation can also help to mitigate these risks, and it’s important to note that moderate for one person may not be the same for another. However, some general tips for practising moderation in beverage consumption include:

• Know your limits: Be aware of how much of a particular drink is considered moderate for you, especially when it comes to alcoholic drinks.
• Read labels: Check the nutritional content of drinks to make informed choices about sugar, calories, and other ingredients.
• Alternate with water: Alternate between the drink of your choice and water to maintain hydration and reduce overall intake.

If you are still wondering, is non-alcoholic beer good for you, speak to a medical professional for advice and personalised guidance for your own health.

• 
• 
• 

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: November 3, 2023

John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.