Background

• Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation of sugars derived from starch-based materials. Barley (malt), hops, water, and yeast are the major ingredients in beer.
• Archeological and biblical studies show that beer has been a part of human culture for thousands of years.
• According to secondary sources, the United States consumes less alcohol, including beer, than other countries in the world. European cultures vary by the types of alcohol consumed. Beer is the major contributor to alcohol consumption by men living in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. In Murcia, Spain, women drink more beer than wine. In general, culture, age, and sex are important determinants of the type of alcohol consumed.
• At this time, there is a lack of strong scientific evidence to support beer consumption for any clinical purpose.

References

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