Light to moderate beer drinking can have many health benefits as human body naturally needs the ingredients found in beer, except for chemicals and preservatives from the growing and production process. An average beer contains the following:

 carbohydrate
 sodium
 protein
 calcium,
 potassium,
 phosphorus
 vitamins B, B2, and B6
 alcohol

Alcohol use in moderation improves good cholesterol and prevents blood from clotting in a way similar to aspirin. Ingredients like B vitamins or folates have been shown to reduce homocysteine levels in the blood and reduce heart disease risk. Phytoestrogens coming from hops, which are used in brewing process, prevent bone loss. Beer has also a relaxing effect on the body thereby reducing stress and helping you sleep better. Finally, most of the weight gain people commonly attribute to beer drinking has to do with the snacks that accompany beer drinking.

However, abuse of alcohol can cause addiction, depression and other mental and psychological consequences. Excessive drinking contributes to liver diseases and may increase the risk of alcohol-related accidents.

Alcohol is a still very much an unknown in the health field. It is known that over use leads to addiction and major health problems, including cirrhosis of the liver. But in small quantities, one or two beers a day, there appear to be health benefits. And alcohol leads to the removal of inhibitions, which mean people do things they wouldn't, and often shouldn't, ever do when sober, including live changing things, such as sex and driving under the influence and even drugs.

Most produced beer contains chemicals and preservatives. Some individuals have sensitivities to hops and hop oils. Many dogs can die from eating hops, though it doesn't appear to be a problem with humans.