The Surprising Health Benefits Of Drinking Beer

Beer lovers, rejoice! Wine gets all the attention as the alcoholic beverage with the healthiest rep, but beer has its benefits, too. Shape reports that, according to a study of 19,000 adults published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, people who frequented happy hour reported less ill-health than abstainers — no matter which alcoholic beverage they chose. Related: Fitness Mind Games To Boost Your Workout Beer can also help you recover after a workout, according to a Spanish study. Researchers at Granada University had students exercise and then rehydrate with either beer or water. Those who refueled with beer were slightly more hydrated than those who drank water. (This doesn't mean that water isn't a good choice, though — it still works just fine to as a post-workout refresher.)  Related: Bad Habits That Will Ruin Your Future Health Another study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that compounds in hops may protect your brain against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Researchers discovered that xanthohumol, a hops compound, may slow the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. A study analysis in Natural Medicine Journal found that women who have two beers per day have stronger bones. Certain compounds in hops may help slow the release of calcium from bones, which can keep them healthier. Click through to Shape to learn more about the health benefits of beer. (Shape) Related: 8 Mind Tricks For Self-Motivation