Not as Healthy as You Thought: How Non-alcoholic Beer Affects Your Body

Even though alcohol free beer has some beneficial ingredients, it's not necessarily a healthy drink when consumed in large quantities.

In recent years, non-alcoholic beer has gotten a lot better in taste, and many people have made the switch to avoid the risks of drinking regular alcohol. But how does drinking non-alcoholic beer regularly affect your health?

Statistics show that the consumption of non-alcoholic beer has nearly doubled in recent years. Some people even drink it to quench their thirst during sports training. But if we take a closer look at the composition and ingredients of non-alcoholic beer, we might wonder if it's wise to drink it so often.

Recently, in Germany, an independent consumer protection organization tested 20 brands of non-alcoholic beer, and only 12 received a rating of "good," while none were rated "very good." But even if non-alcoholic beer is produced to meet all quality standards, it should be consumed with caution and in moderation.

For starters, non-alcoholic beer contains sugar, and even one bottle can raise your blood sugar levels, which may lead to cravings for more food or even another beer. This is particularly concerning for diabetics. Also, it's not a safe substitute for alcoholics, drinking it can actually increase the chances of returning to regular alcohol.

People with gout should avoid non-alcoholic beer because drinking it regularly can lead to a buildup of uric acid, which worsens gout. Non-alcoholic beer also contains hops, which can act as a laxative.

On the plus side, non-alcoholic beer does have some vitamins and minerals, making it similar to isotonic drinks that help replace lost water and provide energy. However, there's no solid proof that beer, even non-alcoholic, hydrates you better than other drinks like electrolyte water or juice with minerals. It is not a good idea to replace your regular sports drinks with alcohol free beer. 

During production, the fermentation process is usually stopped to prevent alcohol from forming, but non-alcoholic beer can still contain a small amount, up to 0.5% or even 1%. So, when buying non-alcoholic beer, check the label closely. Only beers marked "0.0% alcohol" are completely alcohol-free.