Nutrition experts were unanimous Tuesday in canvassing moderate and responsible consumption of beer if it must be for health benefit of the consumers.
This consensus was reached at the first Nigerian symposium on Beer and Health organized by the Nigerian Breweries Plc at Eko Hotels & Suites with the theme “Beer as part of a healthy lifestyle”.
In his opening address, Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said beer is made from four basic natural ingredients – hops, barley, water and yeast that have so many positive qualities and benefits.
On why NB Plc sponsored the symposium, Mr. Vervelde had this to say: The reason is quite simple.
“Firstly, Nigerian Breweries has a huge stake in the industry as market leaders. Through the increase of shareholder value, generation of employment, creation of business opportunities, attracting foreign direct investments, sustained CSR investments, generation of revenue for government at all levels as well as other linkage effects, Nigerian Breweries has been making enormous contributions to economic development. Nigerian Breweries has remained one of the main drivers of manufacturing growth in the country.
“As at 2013, Nigerian Breweries supported close to 300,000 jobs in the value chain and contributed billions of Naira in taxes to various tiers of government. It is therefore in the interest of all to support the industry through proper understanding of its social and economic benefits.
“Secondly, with all its rich history and associated positives and benefits, its role in the social, cultural and economic development of Nigeria, is often under-stated and the story is little appreciated by audiences that are daily overwhelmed by negative images, mostly wrongly attributed to beer.
“Many adults in this beautiful planet like to enjoy a well-chilled glass of beer now and then. Certainly, I do myself. But daily, we get confronted with the negative images of wrongful use of beer. The prevalence of these images and the subsequent discussions around them and the negative perception impact on beer, have the capacity for serious impact on this beautiful product. The negative images are reinforced daily, with many unsubstantiated misconceptions over the years”.
He therefore, said “Nigerian Breweries, as leaders in the industry, has a responsibility to improve the reputation of our category by sharing and celebrating all that’s wonderful about beer.
“Moderate consumption of beer, can be a source of immense pleasure. Alcohol abuse whether from beer or from any other alcoholic beverage, is a problem. It has always been in existence. “It is not to our advantage to promote it as it makes our business unsustainable. Promoting moderation and responsible consumption is in our long term interest of sustainability. Nigerian Breweries is already doing a lot in the direction of promoting responsible consumption,” he stressed.
The chairman of the symposium, Prof Bankole Omotosho of University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa, described the conference on beer and health as historic, noting that beer has been part of human history for over 4,000 years.
According to him, moderate consumption of beer has huge health benefits like reduction of stress, tension, serves as antioxidants, prevents clotting of blood and diabetes among others.
He said, “There is also medical evidence that alcohol consumption has a blood thinning effect and this leads to the reduction of the tendency of blood to form clots.
“It is also true that moderate alcohol consumption reduces the inflammation of the inner linings of the nerves as well as a lower level of insulin resistance.
“Any alcohol, whether sourced from beer or wine or any other beverage, protects the heart.
The consumption of beer with a meal is considered a better way rather than drinking on an empty stomach.
“Specifically, there are some illnesses and diseases which can be prevented, minimized or completely prevented by the consumption of alcohol.
“Some of these are Diabetes Mellitus, weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) as a result of the increase in blood of oestrogen associated with alcohol consumption in women.
“Others are Dementias which is the decline of cognitive ability with the advance of age. Parkinson’s disease, Gallstones and Kidney stones are other illnesses.
“These illnesses and diseases are helped by the presence of flaveroid and silicon, minerals present in beer. Moderate consumption of alcohol creates a feeling of well-being, reducing stress and tension.
“To drink moderately is to drink within the limits set by your health. Alcohol and the natural raw materials from which beer is brewed are good to drink and are also good for the health, “Prof Omotosho.
Other experts who spoke were Dr. Kathryn O’Sullivan from Manchester, Prof Tola Atinmo of University of Ibadan, Dr. Olu Malomo of Bells University of Technology, Otta and the Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka.
The well-attended symposium was anchored by Steve Ayorinde, a columnist while the discussion sessions were moderated by Mo Abudu.
