A number of myths and wisdom have formed around the favorite drink of many Germans, such as B. “Water is also a fine drop if you mix it with malt and hops” or the rumor that the Germans are drinking world champions. What is actually there? With International Beer Day on August 7th, it’s time for a fact check.
Statement: “Beer on wine, let that be …”
Rating: Wrong.
Facts: “…wine on beer, I advise you.” If at the next party a guest comes around the corner with this saying, you know: This wisdom is not true. Studies have shown that morning hangovers are similarly intense, no matter what type of alcohol was consumed the night before. For the German Brewers’ Association, the toast symbolized social differences in the Middle Ages. “At that time, beer was considered the drink of the simple classes, while wine was reserved for an elite upper class,” says a statement.
Claim: Warm beer helps against a cold.
Rating: Wrong.
Facts: Consuming beer can actually give you a pleasantly warm feeling. Hops and malt provide essential oils and bitter substances that have an antibacterial and calming effect, says Antje Gahl from the German Society for Nutrition. “Also, alcohol has a certain ‘narcotic’ effect and can promote sleep.” And sleep is known to be the best medicine, right?
According to Gahl, however, the pleasant feeling is deceptive. The expert advises avoiding beer and alcohol during a cold. Because: It weakens the immune system and deprives the body of water. Herbal or fruit teas are the better alternative.
Claim: Alcohol is more effective when it is hot.
Rating: True.
Facts: At high temperatures, beer is not suitable as a thirst quencher, as the Federal Center for Health Education says. “When the sun burns, alcohol has a faster and more intense effect on the body,” the experts explain. Blood pressure drops and you feel tired and listless. The consequences can be circulatory problems or even unconsciousness. The authority also warns against combining alcohol and bathing. Because the vessels dilate, and you can suffer a cold shock even at a water temperature of 20 to 22 degrees.
Claim: counter beer helps against the hangover.
Rating: Short term only.
Facts: If you drink a lot, you often get the reward the morning after – a headache or nausea. Drinking fluids helps to improve these symptoms. “You can do that with beer,” says laboratory physician Nicolas von Ahsen. However, the noble drop only helps in the short term by delaying the thick skull. Drinks rich in electrolytes such as fruit juice spritzers are therefore better.
Claim: Beer can’t go bad.
Rating: True.
Facts: Beer can be drunk without hesitation even after the best-before date (MHD) has expired. The alcohol it contains, the carbon dioxide and the hops would prevent harmful germs from multiplying, says Holger Eichele from the German Brewers’ Association. “As long as a bottle is tight, there are no health risks from exceeding the MHD.” However, the color and taste often changed in the direction of sherry notes.
Claim: Beer and sport do not go together.
Rating: Partially correct.
Facts: Treating yourself to a beer after a workout is totally fine. At least as long as it is beer with 0.0 percent alcohol, says Helen Bauhaus from the Cologne Sports University. Alcohol-free beer is therefore rich in carbohydrates and sodium – and therefore just right for athletes who have lost fluid through sweating. But you should definitely avoid beer with percentages. Because it increases the risk of injury and reduces the quality of sleep.
Claim: There is no beer in Hawaii.
Rating: Wrong.
Facts: Singer Paul Kuhn spread this rumor in 1963 with his catchy tune of the same name. But of course the Hawaiians have more to offer than colorful cocktails. The Kona brewery in the US state, for example, produces beers with the sonorous names “Fire Rock”, “Longboard” or “Gold Cliff”.
Claim: Germans drink the most beer in the world.
Rating: Wrong.
Facts: Visitors to the Oktoberfest have to be strong now: Germany is not the beer world champion. According to data from the national brewery associations, the Czech Republic tops the list with around 140 liters per capita – followed by Austria, where everyone drinks an average of 106 liters a year. Only in third place do the Germans land with almost 100 liters.
Claim: Alcohol-free beer contains no alcohol.
Evaluation: Not true in many cases.
Facts: Like any other beer, the non-alcoholic beer is brewed strictly according to the German Purity Law: from water, barley, yeast and hops. According to the German Brewers’ Association, a tiny residue of alcohol can also be contained in so-called non-alcoholic beer to round off the taste. A cool blond can be described as alcohol-free if the alcohol content is less than 0.5 percent. However, some breweries also offer completely alcohol-free varieties with 0.0 percent.
