We asked brewing expert Charles Bamforth, Ph.D., about the folklore surrounding Guinness beer.
Guinness is an iconic Irish beer known for its velvety mouthfeel and richness.
It’s also known for several touted health benefits like its iron content and being good for your heart.
Photo: Hulton Archive/Stringer/Getty
How Did People Start to Believe Guinness Is Healthy?
“Otherwise, it somehow developed as a word-of-mouth thing.”
According to theGuinness Storehouse Archives, the first official advertising campaign was launched for Guinness in 1929.
This first campaign showcased people doing incredible feats of strength, powered by Guinness.
Is There Research to Back Up the Touted Health Benefits of Guinness?
This review states that moderate beer consumption may also increase bone mineral density.
Bamforth says it’s likely the alcohol in any beveragenot just Guinnesscan protect against atherosclerosis.
Is Guinness Really Lower in Calories Than the Average Beer?
There is also plenty of contradicting research out there regarding alcohol consumption and health.
Some research, like the 2021 review inNutrientssupports moderate alcohol intake for cardiovascular and bone health.
But we also know thatalcohol can be inflammatory, which increases the risk of chronic disease.
In fact, theU.S.
However, these organizations also advise you not to start drinking alcohol if you currently abstain.
If you struggle withchronic inflammationand are a regular drinker, consider quitting to see if that helps.
