Thanksgiving is right around the corner, bringing with it an array of reasons to remember to be grateful, including gatherings with friends, side dishes, and the new winter seasonals. Where ever—and however—you’re spending the holidays, take a moment to raise a glass to beer and brewers, and once again remember the ways beer has added to our lives and culture.
The rising U.S. beer industry
Beer is good for the economy
Besides bringing a bevy of new beers to us all, the rising craft beer industry has also boosted the U.S. economy in many ways.
- This past year, the beer industry employed 1.75 million Americans, including brewers, suppliers and distributors and contributed $252.6 billion to the U.S. economy—equal to 1.5 percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product
- U.S. craft brewers are continuing to expand around the world, and craft beer exports went up 35.7 percent in 2014, for nearly $100 million.
Beer is good for your health
Several studies have surfaced pointing out the surprising ways beer—in moderation—is good for our health.
- Beer is a good source of dietary silicon, which is key factor in maintaining bone mineral density. Beer that are high in malted barley and hops are the richest in silicon.
- Marinating meat in dark beer before grilling reduces the dangerous carcinogens that can develop in the resulting char.
- Beer helps maintain “good cholesterol,” which helps prevent dementia and coronary disease.
- The flavonoid compound Xanthohumol, which is found in hops, can help prevent cancer.
Beer helps encourage socializing
Ancient Beer Drinkers
Most of us are well aware of the relaxing properties of alcohol. In moderation, beer helps us to become more social by lessening some of the boundaries of self-consciousness. While too much alcohol can certainly release our inhibitions too much, the right amount can allow people to relax and join the group, resulting in new ideas born of free-flowing collaboration.
In fact, several beer writers have explored the historical impact alcohol has had on social gatherings, and speculate that its importance in feasts and get-togethers has been due to its intoxicating qualities.
Beer grain 3D filament
Beer is pushing technological creativity
As craft beer and brewing becomes more popular, brewers and innovators are being challenged with new ways to use the inevitable beer waste byproducts.
- The EcoVolt machine from the startup Cambian Innovation is able to clean the wastewater from a brewery (or winery) while also creating energy. It does so by using the microbes to covert the carbon in wastewaster to biogas. Both Clos du Bois winery and Bear Republic have been testing the system.
- The 3D printing company 3Dom has released a 3D printing filament called Buzzed made of the spent grains from the brewing process. According to the company, the material is a lovely gold color with a prominent grain pattern.
What are you thankful for?
Whether by helping forge friendships, encouraging innovation or spreading the love of an ancient craft, beer has impacted our lives in many unexpected ways. Why are you grateful for having craft beer in your life? Let us know in the comments below.