Great news for beer lovers everywhere: Scientists have found several health-promoting benefits to enjoying a pint; so now you can raise your glass with a clear conscience – cheers to that!

Those of you who are well informed would have already known that good beer not only makes us happy, but also contributes to our health. Here are the 6 reasons why as well as a handy video and lets raise our glasses to these new findings!

1. Beer Increases Bone Density

Various studies have shown that beer has an increased silicon content. This helps to connect muscle and bone tissue to each other and increase bone density. Dark beer in particular, with its high hop content, contains silicon. So, moderate consumption of dark beer can certainly help prevent osteoporosis.

2. Beer Lowers The Risk of Heart Attack

According to Harvard University, more than 100 studies have found an association between moderate beer consumption and reduced risk of heart attack by 25 to 40 percent. So, if you want to do your heart some good, treat yourself to a nice, cold beer with dinner every now and then.

3. Beer Lowers Your Cholesterol Level

Scientists have found that beer consumption contributes to increasing the proportion of healthy HDL cholesterol in the body. Two beers a day can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels.

4. Beer Decreases Your Risk of Getting Diabetes

In comparative studies, a relationship between moderate alcohol consumption and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes was found. American researchers found that of those who drank 1-4 10oz beers per day, the risk of getting this disease was lower.

5. Beer Can Prevent Kidney Stones

You wouldn’t wish kidney stones on your worst enemy. Fortunately, this study found that the probability of getting kidney stones drops to up to 40 percent when you drink a bottle of beer a day.

6. Beer Protects From Dementia

Of course, it sounds strange at first: using alcohol to combat dementia! Anyone who has ever had a blackout is probably now shaking his or her head in disbelief. But the above mentioned xanthohumol can actually also help to prevent oxidative stress. This is one of the factors that promotes dementia in old age. Therefore, beer (of course in moderation) can actually keep the brain fit for its age.