More - Is There Anything That Beer Isn't Good For?

At this rate, I'm going to have to create some sort of category in the sidebar to chronicle all the joyful news.

1. Research at Oregon State University shows that beer contains a micronutrient that inhibits cancer-causing enzymes, according to a UPI article in November of 2005.

2. Beer offers a resultant anti-inflammatory effect which may have a "beneficial impact on coronary heart diseases", according to The Register.

3. Swedish researchers discovered that mice fed with moderate amounts of alcohol grew new nerve cells in the brain.

4. A recent CNN article recapped the impact of hops on heart disease, but went on to report "Over in the Czech Republic, doctors have found that moderate beer consumption slows aging. . ."

5. The same CNN article said "Beer not only increased levels of HDL or so-called 'good cholesterol,' but also thwarted dangerous free radicals in the body that are believed to accelerate the progression of cardiovascular and age-related diseases." This particular study was paid for by Czech brewers.

6. And the article concluded by adding that Czech doctors, in an earlier, separate study, reported that a couple of beers a day could prevent impotence. (Oddly, it doesn't say what a 12-pack could fight. To paraphrase Homer Simpson: "Mmmmm. Liquid Viagra.")

So drink up and enjoy the health benefits!