According to Time magazine, 60% of adults in the United States drink alcohol. Out of those individuals, 41% say that beer is their favorite. There are a lot of reasons why beer is such a popular drink, but it's generally not because it's viewed as a healthy beverage. However, there are multiple health benefits associated with the moderate consumption of beer that can improve your overall health. And what is "moderate" consumption? The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for America states that "moderate" drinking is one serving of beer for women, and up to two servings for men. Drinking responsibly can help you in more ways than one.

Delicious and Nutritious

Compared to other alcoholic beverages, beer packs a punch with plenty of nutrients. It has just as many antioxidants as wine and has many more nutrients including vitamin B, iron, calcium, and phosphates. Beer also offers plenty of protein and fiber. Of course, it's also known as "liquid bread". It has a good amount of calories, so you do have to monitor your intake the next time you go to your local brewery, especially if you're trying to cut down on weight.

Beer Speaks to the Heart

Drinking beer in moderate quantities has shown to be beneficial to a healthy heart because it can prevent high bad cholesterol and heart disease. The American Heart Association conducted a study over six years and found that moderate drinkers had higher levels of high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol, than those who didn't. What's more, it may help those who have had heart attacks. According to a study published in the European Heart Journal, among men who had heart attacks, those who drank beer moderately were 42% less likely to die from heart failure.

Beer Makes You Smarter

A study conducted at the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at ASU has shown that moderate beer consumption helps fight off cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia. Part of this is tied in with the heart benefits, as beer raises your good cholesterol which improves brain function. A study published in Consciousness and Cognition showed that being slightly buzzed helped individuals solve puzzles faster than their sober counterparts. Of course, these benefits are entirely negated if you drink in excess. So make sure to drink responsibly.

Beer Makes You Smile

According to the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, beer also protects your teeth by preventing bacteria known as biofilm from growing on them. This biofilm is associated with tooth decay and gum disorders. It also blocked existing bacteria from communicating, which slowed their growth. Make sure to tell your dentist. He may just give you a beer if you're good during your next teeth cleaning.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Drinking beer moderately is also associated with a lower risk of kidney stones, unlike sugary drinks. You knew all along there was a reason you avoided fruity cocktails. Beers heavy in hops are the best beer in this regard, according to the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. So think about picking a craft beer next time you're at the bar.

Beer Can Put Out Fire

Hops, one of the most essential ingredients in beer, is shown to offer anti-inflammatory benefits. A study published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research finds that hops in beer prevented inflammation, meaning the best beer for fighting inflamed joints is a hoppy one. If you have a sore back, consider cracking open a cold one before putting your feet up.

The Obvious

Outside of these studies and health benefits, beer offers you a chance to unwind and socialize with friends and family. Next time you're enjoying a drink, take a moment to acknowledge how much better it tastes because of the people you're with.

All of this is stated with the strong caveat that this isn't a license to pig out on beer. Heavy consumption of beer is associated with negative health risks. However, moderately enjoying a beer or two a few nights a week may just make you a healthier person. So, if you're a health-conscious individual, check out the best beer in Pittsburgh, PA at Two Fray's Brewery. They have outdoor seating, a huge selection of beers, and good times waiting.