The 7 Most Senseless Beer Myths

Beer is unhealthy and makes you fat and impotent. Absurd myths abound about the favorite beverage of the Germans. But what is really true about these prejudices?

Does beer really make you fat?

Myth 1: Beer makes you fat

Not true! Apart from water, is beer is a rather low-calorie refreshment compared to other beverages. From orange juice to apple juice and from red wine to milk: all contain a lot more calories than beer. Instead, it is a known vicious circle which results in a beer belly: Beer stimulates appetite, and when your craving for food has been satisfied, you are thirsty again. Beer alone does not make you fat, but instead it is the pigs’ knuckles on the side that give you a pot belly.

Myth 2: Beer makes you tired

The truth is: The hops in beer are a natural sedative that promotes relaxation and readiness for sleep. However, this could not be demonstrated specifically in the case of beer consumption. But everyone knows that beer relaxes the nerves and creates a rather cozy ambiance, with the possible exception of cheerful feasts and celebrations. However, many top-fermented beers are real stimulants and create sleepless nights.

Myth 3: Beer is unhealthy

Everybody has experienced nausea, dizziness and headaches. However, that is not due to beer, but instead to the consumed quantities. Beer even has an antibacterial effect thanks to its essential oils and bitter principles. A glass a day lowers your cholesterol level, helps with cardiovascular diseases and makes you stress-resistant against occupational stress. Magnesium and potassium in the beer compensate for mineral losses, strengthen bone structures and can protect against osteoporosis.

Myth 4: Beer makes you impotent

It’s all a question of the quantity. Whoever gulps down several liters of beer will have a hard time making it to the bedside. Beer in small amounts allegedly even has a strong aphrodisiac effect and stimulates your libido. Men who see double after drinking large quantities even enjoy an additional benefit; then they have two women in bed. However, the question remains of whether sex with a full bladder is still really fun.

Myth 5: Beer does not go well with wine

Beer after wine is not really fine! An ancient lie that could put an end to many successful evenings that were finished off with a delicious red. Numerous studies have shown that the consumption of different types of alcohol with moderate drinking has no side effects as long as you do not overdo it. It has even become fashionable for sommeliers and winemakers to savor a fresh Pils after each wine tasting.

Myth 6: Beer must be ice cold

It’s all a question of the beer type. It’s obvious: a fresh light beer, a wheat beer or a Pils from the tap demands moderate cooling. However, alcohol-rich bock beers, English stouts or modern imperial ale are best at approx. 12° C, while others such as barley wines are even drunk at room temperature. An old home remedy also maintains that warm beer even helps against colds.

Myth 7: Beer creates big breasts

An old legend, which has not been medically proven. Although beer contains plant estrogens in small amounts, it does not produce admirable cup-sizes with normal drinking behavior. Women with problems related to this would do best to visit a specialist before they increase their beer consumption. In addition, it is also clear that men’s breasts do not increase in size due to regular beer consumption.