Dietitian Anna Schaefer has dispelled the common belief that beer is safer than hard alcohol, warning in an interview with Izvestia that all alcoholic drinks carry health risks due to ethanol.
Schaefer explained that many people consider beer to be a safe form of alcohol, but that assumption is incorrect. She stated that the main health risks stem directly from ethanol, which is present in all alcoholic beverages regardless of strength.
According to the dietitian, regular consumption of beer can harm the liver and pancreas, impair sleep quality, trigger high blood pressure, and lead to metabolic disorders. She added that overusing the beverage also increases the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Health risks and weight gain
Beer can also cause excess weight, Schaefer noted. Beyond being high in calories on its own, the beverage prompts a desire to eat fatty and salty snacks that feature intense flavors.
Schaefer emphasized that there is no safe frequency for drinking beer and no safe dose of alcohol in general. She assured that the less alcohol a person drinks, the less harm they inflict on their health.
In a related statement, psychologist James McKillop previously explained how alcohol affects the brain, noting that drinking damages the structure of the organ and impairs its functions.
