The Merits of Beer as a Healthy Alternative to Cooking Oil

The New Year is a time when many people make lifestyle changes intended to improve their health, but generally, where alcohol is concerned, these changes involve a reduction in consumption. Now however, nutrition expert and registered dietitian Toby Amidor, most widely known for her best-selling recipe book The Greek Yogurt Kitchen, is touting the boozy beverage as a healthy alternative to cooking oil.

Toby Amidor

The introduction of beer into countless recipes is a growing trend, but unlike many food fads this one has genuine benefits beyond the added flavour. For the calorie-counters among you, bear this in mind; according to Amidor the oil typically used to enhance the flavour of meat dishes contains about 120 calories per tablespoon, while regular beer clocks in at approximately 150 calories per 12-ounce bottle. Throwing in a tablespoon of beer will only add about 75 calories to your meal, and depending on the heat exposure over time, this figure can be further reduced during the cooking process.

That being said, it’s not all about calories. Amidor is keen to point out that, “if you examine [beer] closely—and more studies will come out on this—you will find it contains a multitude of B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus and selenium, among others, so beer is not just an empty calorie food.”

Beer will also lock in many of the vitamins and minerals typically lost to the high heat during cooking as the alcohol will dissipate first, preserving the nutritional qualities of your meal.

Amidor is far from alone in her support of beer as a healthy cooking option. The University of Pennsylvania claims that continued, moderate consumption of dark ale or stout can help to protect you from various heart problems, while the silicon content of many beers can also strengthen your bones.

Jackie Dodd

Food blogger and craft beer enthusiast Jackie Dodd recently discussed the matter with Self, and she too has discovered the amazing flavours, health benefits and versatility that cooking with beer affords. She is quoted as saying, “Beer is inherently fat free and for most part, it is vegan, except if people add in things or process it, so it’s great for those who don’t want to marinate with chicken broth for instance,

“There are other health benefits to cooking with beer—when you grill, pan sear or broil meat at high temperature, for instance, there’s evidence that carcinogens can be formed, but if you brine your meat in beer, those can’t develop, because beer impedes them. The hops that are used as preservatives in beer can also help in boosting the body’s immune system.”

So there you have it, a completely guilt-free way to enjoy your favourite beer! Just don’t get too carried away; a little splash of beer can work wonders in a meal, but binge-drinkers beware! Your liver will thank me later…

Sam Bonson

Sam is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He is currently working as a content writer, journalist & editor in an attempt to expand his horizons.

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