"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." -Benjamin Franklin
I'm not advocating over-indulgence of beer. But, a small amount of beer (no more than one a day) is actually good for you.Here are some of the benefits:
The folate found in beer may help to reduce homocysteine in the blood and lower homocysteine levels, which could mean a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Lab studies have found some of the ingredients in beer may lower triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol in mice (tests on people are still being done at bars around the world).
- Drinking a beer a day may reduce blood clotting so, some studies found, cardiovascular patients who drank one beer per day also lived longer.
- Women who enjoy a beer a day have improved mental health.
- Drinking beer and other alcoholic beverages in moderation may also improve bone density.
If you just aren't in the mood for a cold one, here's another great way to enjoy beer is in bread. And, since the alcohol cooks out in the baking process, you could probably enjoy a frosty mug of your favorite ale along side a slice of this great tasting loaf.
Beer Bread
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon whole flax seeds
1/2 cup oatmeal, divided
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
1 can or bottle (12 oz.) beer at room temperature
- Gently mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup of oatmeal and the whole flax seeds
- Place in greased 9 x 5x 3 inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 hour* or until lightly browned and the sides pull away from the pan.
*Brush with butter halfway through baking time and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of oatmeal.
The beer in the recipe adds yeast and carbon dioxide which contributes to the rising of the bread. The beer, along with the baking powder and the salt, causes the bread to rise, but the rising action happens really fast and doesn't last long. This beer has to be mixed quickly and baked immediately or the batter will fall. It will be flaky on the outside and soft on the inside...perfect with butter or cheese spreads.
