Studies at the University of Wisconsin were carried out to attest to the old slogan that Guinness is, in fact, good for you.
Officially, Diageo doesn’t claim any health benefits of the delicious black stuff. However, scientific research at the University of Wisconsin shows that a pint of Guinness can actually be beneficial to your health.
The research was carried out by the University of Wisconsin, and the results showed that the old slogan might be true, Guinness is good for you!
A pint of the black stuff – it’s good for you!
So, according to research led by Professor John Folts of the University of Wisconsin in 2003, a pint of Guinness might just work as well as a low dose of aspirin to prevent heart clots that raise the risk of heart attacks.
According to the experts at the university, drinking lager does not have the same benefits. The study was carried out on dogs who had narrowed arteries.
They were given small amounts of Guinness, and the results showed that the Irish beverage reduced clotting activity in their blood.
Guinness is good for you − avoiding heart attacks
This was a phenomenal discovery as clotting is important for patients at risk of a heart attack. An attack can be triggered when a clot lodges in one of these arteries supplying blood to the heart.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin held a meeting with the American Heart Foundation in Orlando, Florida. They told the meeting that the most benefit they saw was from just over a pint taken at mealtimes.
They believe that the “antioxidant compounds” found in Guinness, close to those found in fruits and vegetables, are responsible for the health benefits because they slow down the deposit of harmful cholesterol.
Drinking responsibly – understanding the limits
Now, these claims have never been endorsed by the drinks manufacturer, Diageo. The company said, “We never make any medical claims for our drink.”
The original campaign of “Guinness is good for you” started in the 1920s. It stemmed from market research where people told the company that they felt good after their pint. From there, the slogan was born.
Back then, in England, post-operative patients were actually given Guinness. So were blood donors, based on the belief that Guinness is high in iron.
It was even advised for pregnant women back then. Now, of course, it is not. The research at the University of Wisconsin claims the benefits of one pint of Guinness; it absolutely does not encourage excess drinking, and neither does Diageo. The company now adheres to a responsible drinking campaign.
One pint of Guinness can be beneficial for your health, but beyond that, excess drinking can have the opposite effect and can pose a serious threat to your health and well-being.
So, rejoice in the benefits one pint of the black stuff can have for you!