As Oktoberfest draws to a close there may be more to celebrate with a beer than you first thought. Researchers have found that indulging every once in a while can actually boost your health – we’ll drink to that.
Beyond acting as the liquid equivalent of a post-workout high-five and the nation’s social lubricant of choice, the healthy perks of a pint are few and far between. But now beer lovers have fresh reason for the occasional tipple. Scientists at the University of Scranton have found that a trip to the taps might just be doing your own pipes a favour by significantly lowering your cholesterol levels. They found that the quality of heart-handy antioxidants in beer far exceeds those available in Vitamin C and E, a heady benefit of the occasional beverage, and could lower your risk of coronary heart disease by up to 70%.
And whilst it might sound like we’ve had a few before writing this, you need not drop your glass for fear of the beer-belly either. Research from the University of Oregon shows that xanthohumol (not easy to say after a drink), found in most beers, lowers your body’s tendency to store fat. However take it slow, these benefits max out at one small beer a day, and less than that is recommended.
So the ‘cheeky’ end of week beer might not be as subversive as you once thought. Again, there’s little better for your health than good eating and exercise but now there’s a little extra justification for the occasional drink.
If you are planning on celebrating Oktoberfest with a drink or two here are some tips to stop you scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to your workout the day after.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
This advice stands even if you don’t plan on exercising the following morning. Between every alcoholic drink have a glass of water or similar – your body can’t really process more than one drink an hour and that’s when hangovers hit.
Water relief
Hydrate, then hydrate some more – an hour before your workout take on board lots of water and a breakfast that’s rich in vitamins and carbohydrate. Porridge with fruit works wonders as your body can easily break it down. This is all about refuelling for the repair process.
Keep it steady
Well done – you made it to the gym. Now you’re there you don’t want to be diving into anything high intensity or overly energy exertive. Your body needs time to recover and rehydrate so something steady-state like jogging or swimming is best.