QC Brew Review: Healthy drinking is a craft

LMQC Nutritionist blogger, Jeni Tackett, sits down at the Bent River Brewery and talks about the nutritional value of craft beer with local brewer Patrick Martinez.

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Bent River Brewing Company is located in Rock Island, IL.

The Quad Cities is home to many craft breweries. Bent River Brewing Company is one, offering homemade brews and a favorite hangout spot for many avid craft beer drinkers.

Craft beer is traditionally a local phenomenon although many breweries now distribute their beer to other states.

My husband is a big fan of Uncommon Stout, and he did not mind joining me when I interviewed Patrick Martinez, brewer for Bent River.

Martinez is passionate about brewing beer. He works with three other brewers who all specialize in different kinds of beer, from the blondes to the stouts.

Is beer good for you?

As far as the nutritional value of beer, Martinez refers to the active yeast used during brewing, which contributes B vitamins such as folate to beer. USDA analysis of beer has found nutrients such as niacin, folate, potassium, and magnesium. (Editor’s Note: Read up on the surprising health benefits from the moderate consumption of beer.)

Bent River includes local ingredients whenever possible. Their Harry’s Honey Porter, for example, is made with local honey from a man named (you guessed it) Harry. Other ingredients include blueberry puree for the Blueberry Uncommon Stout and oatmeal for the Oatmeal Stout.

Martinez points out that the calorie content of craft beers varies. Every glass may be slightly different, but based on ingredients and percentage of alcohol, the calorie content can be estimated.

Hopping into the nutritional benefits of beer

As with most things, with moderation come some benefits.

As far as the nutritional benefits of beer, alcohol has been shown to have health benefits in moderation. For beer, “moderation” is considered two 12 oz. glasses of beer with 5% alcohol per day for men, and one for women. Craft beer comes in pints (16 oz.), and the amount of alcohol varies anywhere from 4%-15%. The more alcohol, the higher the calories.

Beer has been blamed for the “beer belly.” Excess fat stored around the middle can occur with extra calorie consumption, whether it’s from food, sugary beverages, or beer!

Consuming beer in moderation and balancing it with physical activity is important to maintain a healthy body weight. To help you balance your calorie intake, here is the approximate nutrition content of brews from Bent River:

*Estimated Nutrition information provided by Bent River Brewing Company*

Enjoying a craft beer is a favorite activity for many and can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Just remember to drink responsibly and in moderation!

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Bent River Brewing Company is located in Rock Island, IL.

The Quad Cities is home to many craft breweries. Bent River Brewing Company is one, offering homemade brews and a favorite hangout spot for many avid craft beer drinkers.

Craft beer is traditionally a local phenomenon although many breweries now distribute their beer to other states.

My husband is a big fan of Uncommon Stout, and he did not mind joining me when I interviewed Patrick Martinez, brewer for Bent River.

Martinez is passionate about brewing beer. He works with three other brewers who all specialize in different kinds of beer, from the blondes to the stouts.

Is beer good for you?

As far as the nutritional value of beer, Martinez refers to the active yeast used during brewing, which contributes B vitamins such as folate to beer. USDA analysis of beer has found nutrients such as niacin, folate, potassium, and magnesium. (Editor’s Note: Read up on the surprising health benefits from the moderate consumption of beer.)

Bent River includes local ingredients whenever possible. Their Harry’s Honey Porter, for example, is made with local honey from a man named (you guessed it) Harry. Other ingredients include blueberry puree for the Blueberry Uncommon Stout and oatmeal for the Oatmeal Stout.

Martinez points out that the calorie content of craft beers varies. Every glass may be slightly different, but based on ingredients and percentage of alcohol, the calorie content can be estimated.

Hopping into the nutritional benefits of beer

As with most things, with moderation come some benefits.

As far as the nutritional benefits of beer, alcohol has been shown to have health benefits in moderation. For beer, “moderation” is considered two 12 oz. glasses of beer with 5% alcohol per day for men, and one for women. Craft beer comes in pints (16 oz.), and the amount of alcohol varies anywhere from 4%-15%. The more alcohol, the higher the calories.

Beer has been blamed for the “beer belly.” Excess fat stored around the middle can occur with extra calorie consumption, whether it’s from food, sugary beverages, or beer!

Consuming beer in moderation and balancing it with physical activity is important to maintain a healthy body weight. To help you balance your calorie intake, here is the approximate nutrition content of brews from Bent River:

*Estimated Nutrition information provided by Bent River Brewing Company*

Enjoying a craft beer is a favorite activity for many and can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Just remember to drink responsibly and in moderation!