Beer cures all.  Beer heals all.  Beer prevents all.  Beer will make you more money.  That’s right beer drinkers, you know it’s all true.  Well now scientists are putting together some so-called “research” to prove what all of us already know - that beer is the world’s greatest beverage!  Recent studies show that beer can lower your risk of heart disease, reduce hay fever and promote job success thereby making you more money.  Really?

Sure we’ve all known for years that beer can be the cure for numerous things: a bad day at work, your favorite team losing the big game, your girlfriend just dumping you, etc.  We’ve also been privy to the fact that beer makes us all “appear”: more attractive, cooler, more fun, interesting and a good person to go home with for the evening.  Well today we’re talking about real “proof” that suggests beer has tangible benefits.

A recent study conducted by Harvard University Researchers found that beer can reduce the risk of heart disease just as well as wine. The study showed that moderate alcohol consumption, 2-3 serving a day in men and 1-2 servings a day for women, could significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in both genders.  Harvard Associate Professor, Ken Mukamel, stated, “It’s really the alcohol that seems to make the difference, because the alcohol is what raises the HDL cholesterol, the good cholesterol.”

In a study conducted by Sapporo Breweries Ltd. of Japan, researches claim they have proven that their beer can alleviate hay fever symptoms.  The researchers claim that hop flavonol glycoside found in their beer blocks histamines that cause hay fever symptoms.  According to their results 60% of their patients experienced a reduction in sneezing and 55% experience reduced runny nose.  The company is seeking a patent for the beneficial effect of their beer.

And finally a study conducted by economists Bethany Peters and Edward Stringham suggests that people who consume beer in social settings are more likely to earn more money.  Their research found that a person’s “social capital” could be increased by engaging in activities like social drinking. People who drink socially are more likely to meet new business contacts and achieve higher earnings through networking.  Their study shows that women who drink socially earn 14% more than their non-drinking counterparts and men earn 10% more when they go out for few pints.

So if you’ve got someone telling you to put down the beer or stay away from all those happy hours with co-workers, tell them to enjoy their heart disease, hay fever and lower income.  Tell them they won’t find you lying in a hospital bed, blowing your nose or clipping coupons.  Nope, you’ll be out with your friends - having a beer!