Well-done meat could be bad for your blood pressure, American Heart Association warns

According to preliminary research presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association, grilling and other high-temperature methods of cooking could make even the healthiest meats — such as chicken, seafood, and lean beef — a danger to your health. People who regularly consume meat cooked well done could have a risk of higher blood pressure.

The study followed over 100,000 people, recording their cooking methods and blood pressures for an average of 12 to 16 years. In participants who ate at least two servings of red meat, chicken, or fish per week, the risk of high blood pressure was 15 to 17 percent higher based on factors related to cooking at high temperatures.

One apparent risk factor: eating meat well done. The researchers found that the risk of high blood pressure was 15 percent higher in those who preferred their meat cooked thoroughly as compared to those who preferred rarer meat. 

The researchers also found a 17 percent higher risk of high blood pressure in those who ate grilled, broiled, or roasted meat more than 15 times per month compared to those who did so less than four times per month. Both factors relate to the consumption of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) — chemicals that form in meat cooked at high temperatures. The researchers found that those who consumed the most HAAs overall were at 17 percent higher risk for high blood pressure.

The researchers noted that these findings do not prove that well-done meat or meat that is grilled or broiled causes high blood pressure. Rather, it simply indicates that Americans should take this into consideration when choosing how to order and cook their meals.

Gang Liu, Ph.D., lead author of the study, explained that “chemicals produced by cooking meats at high temperatures induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in animal studies,” which he thinks could be linked to high blood pressure.

It’s no secret that charring your meat can add carcinogens to food — but now that it can be linked to high blood pressure as well, the question is whether those risks are high enough to affect your day-to-day life.

“The relative risk for high blood pressure isn’t the only health concern related to intake of grilled meats,” registered dietitian Katrina A. Trisko told The Daily Meal. “The National Cancer Institute has also warned that excess consumption of well-done, fried, or barbecued meats has the potential to increase your risk for certain types of cancers.” 

Charlie Seltzer, MD, physician and clinical exercise specialist, told The Daily Meal, “Grilling may certainly produce carcinogenic chemicals! The real question is whether that risk is relevant in the real world.”

The experts we spoke with offered some practical advice based on these and other studies, namely, don't try to avoid eating every single food that could potentially be linked to health problems. Instead, focus on a balanced diet that consists of a variety of foods and preparation methods.

“There are so many other factors including physical activity, genetics, stress, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, that all play a role in our overall health risk,” Trisko confirmed. “As with most things, moderation is key.”

Trisko suggests opting to cook the majority of your meals in different ways throughout the week. “Baking, stewing, slow-cooking, and sautéing are all healthy alternatives to grilling,” she says.

Seltzer warns that fretting over these preliminary results could lead you “down a rabbit hole of worrying about potential environmental factors that can kill you, which may end up driving you insane.”

Because, let’s face it — it would be really tough to eliminate all the common foods that could raise your blood pressure.

12 Incredible Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are currently receiving a great deal of attention in the health community, and for good reason! These small, but mighty seeds are considered among the healthiest foods in the world, truly deserving of being called a ‘superfood.’

If you haven’t heard of chia seeds before, they come from the Salvia Hispanica plant, which is part of the mint family, and are native to Mexico and Gautemala. They are said to have been an important food to the Aztecs and Mayans. And due to their incredible health benefits, it’s no surprise as to why! Here are 12 reasons to add more chia seeds to your diet…

1. High in Fiber

Chia seeds are among the best sources of fiber on the planet—offering approximately 11 grams per ounce. Depending on your age and gender, that’s about a third of your required daily intake!

If you’ve ever soaked chia seeds, you probably noticed how they develop a gelatinous texture. Dr. Axe explains that this occurs because of the soluble fiber they offer, which “can work as a prebiotic that supports the growth of probiotics in the gut.”

2. Can Aid in Weight Loss

Because of their high fiber content, chia seeds may also aid in weight loss. Healthline.com explains that this is because “The fiber absorbs large amounts of water and expands in the stomach, which should increase fullness and slow the absorption of food,” in addition to reducing food cravings between meals.

It’s important to note, however, that no research has yet to conclusively prove this link. The source says, “just adding chia seeds to your diet is unlikely to affect your weight,” but that they may be a beneficial addition to your weight loss regimen.

3. Beneficial for Digestion and Detox

Being a rich source of fiber also makes chia seeds beneficial for digestion, as “A diet with adequate fiber prevents constipation and promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract,” which MedicalNewsToday.com says is “crucial for the daily excretion of toxins through the bile and stool.”

In addition to helping the body detoxify through regular bowel movements, FoodMatters.com adds that chia seeds “help support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, repair your cells, [and] reduce inflammation.”

4. Lower Cholesterol

According to MedicalNewsToday.com, “Increased fiber intake has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels,” and due to their super high fiber content, eating chia seeds is one of the most effective ways to up your consumption.

Citing a review a review of “67 separate controlled trials,” the source says it was found that “even a modest 10-gram per day increase in fiber intake reduced LDL, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol.”

5. Reduce Risk of Diabetes

Yet another benefit of chia seeds’ fiber content is that it can lower a person’s risk of developing diabetes. How, you might ask? Because it “slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar and of sugar to fat during digestion,” which helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels, says Reader’s Digest.

In addition, the soluble fiber in chia seeds—which gives them their gelatinous texture when soaked in liquids—can also help to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.

6. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

In addition to fiber, chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. “In fact,” Healthline.com says, “chia seeds contain more Omega-3s than salmon, gram for gram.” Unfortunately, however, these omega-3s are primarily ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid), which the body struggles to convert into “active” forms of fatty acids (EPA and DHA) before it can be used.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat chia seeds for their omega-3 benefits, but rather that they should be consumed in combination with other sources of fatty acids including certain types of fish—like salmon, herring, and mackerel—and fish oil or algae supplements.

7. Low in Carbohydrates

Chia seeds are a great food for those who are being mindful of their carbohydrate intake, as they contain very few of them. Although nutritional information indicates that per one ounce serving of chia seeds there is 12 grams of carbohydrates, Healthline.com says, “…11 of those grams are fiber, which isn’t digested by the body.”

That means the net carbohydrate content of chia seeds is only one gram per ounce, which is very low, especially when you consider all of the nutritional benefits they provide!

8. Rich in Antioxidants

According to Dr. Axe, “chia seeds are one of nature’s richest high-antioxidant foods.” This statement comes as a result of a recent study out of Mexico, which found that “chia seeds had a total natural phenolic (antioxidants) concentration nearly two times higher than previously reported.”

These antioxidants help to protect the omega-3 fatty acids found in chia seeds from going bad, in addition to protecting the body against free radical damage, and “speeding up the skin’s repair systems and preventing further damage.”

9. High in Protein

Chia seeds are an excellent source of protein for herbivores and omnivores alike! Just a one ounce (28-gram) serving offers 4.4 grams of protein, which equates to about 10 percent of your require daily intake.

Healthline.com adds that they also “contain a good balance of essential amino acids, so our bodies should be able to make use of the protein in them,” making them beneficial for building muscle, as well as reducing appetite, cravings, and the urge to snack between meals.

10. Contain Plenty of Vitamins and Minerals

In addition to all of the aforementioned nutrients, chia seeds are also a valuable source of many vitamins and minerals. For instance, Livestrong.com says they contain niacin and thiamine, B vitamins that are important for “turning the food you eat into energy and keeping your brain and nervous system functioning properly.”

Chia seeds also contain selenium, which “acts as an antioxidant to limit cell damage from free radicals and also helps your body absorb vitamin E,” as well as manganese and phosphorus, minerals that are beneficial for bone health, among other things. And what’s more is that, unlike flax seeds, chia seeds don’t need to be ground to obtain these nutritional benefits, so you can enjoy them in their natural form. Oh, and they’re gluten free—bonus!

11. Beneficial for Bone Health

It might come as a surprise to you, but chia seeds are a significant source of calcium! In fact, BBC Good Food says, “A 25 g portion of chia contains 157 mg of calcium…more than that in 100ml of milk.”

This high calcium content, along with minerals like manganese and phosphorus (mentioned previously), makes chia seeds beneficial for the maintenance of teeth and bone health. Additionally, chia seeds contain boron, which Dr. Axe says helps to metabolize these nutrients “for healthy growth of bones and muscles.”

12. Boost Energy

It is said that Aztec warriors used to eat chia seeds for sustained energy and endurance. In fact, Dr. Axe says “just one spoonful of chia could sustain them for 24 hours.”

While this may seem a little far-fetched, a recent study has found that “chia seeds enhanced exercise performance for workouts that lasted 90 minutes the same way a sugar-laden sports drink would, but without all the unhealthy sugar.” Although this is just one study, and more research is certainly needed to confirm, these findings align with information that’s been uncovered about this ancient culture. It’s no wonder chia seeds are often referred to as the Aztec “running food.”

Foods That You Should Never Touch If You’re Over 50

We get it — adjusting your eating habits as you get older can be really hard. But when it comes to losing weight and keeping your body as healthy as possible, there’s really no other choice than to starting cutting foods out of your daily diet. Not entirely sure which foods you should start avoiding or limiting in order to keep yourself fit and healthy? That’s where we come in. Some of these foods may even surprise you!  

Pickles 

This may come as a surprise — how can a vegetable like delicious dills be bad for you? As Today’s Joy Bauer explains, one pickle is loaded with over 1,000 milligrams of sodium. With high blood pressure being a health concern as we get older, cutting down on foods that can raise your blood pressure is key. (This isn’t the only salt-filled food on our list, either.) 

Potatoes 

This is one food you surely need to cut down on, especially if it’s cut into fries or sprinkled with bacon bits. (More on bacon a little later.) “Potatoes really are starchy,” TIME explains, “and they land high on the glycemic index—right up there with rice cakes and pretzels.” And when you add all the extras to it, you get a dish that expands your waistline and raises your insulin levels. If you absolutely must have a potato — they do contain vitamins — eat them as bare as possible. 

Breakfast pastries 

We will not tell you to cut out sweets all together. (Who would ever listen to advice like that anyways?) But you should definitely limit your sugar intake if you want to keep your weight down — and definitely avoid pastries at breakfast. Bauer tells Today that the late morning sugar crash caused by breakfast pastries affects your blood sugar levels and causes you to crave unhealthier foods throughout the rest of your day. 

Butter 

Let’s be honest — butter isn’t good for you in large quantities no matter what age you are. But it’s more imperative to cut back on it as you age. In fact, cutting back on saturated fats in general — like whole milk and cheese — can greatly lower your cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. While a little butter won’t kill you, swapping it out for healthier fats like olive oil or nuts is a much better option. 

Too much wine 

But red wine is good for you, right? Well, that only counts if you drink it in moderation as prescribed by the Mediterranean diet. As Bauer tells Today, having multiple glasses in one sitting can undo its positive properties because it inundates your organs. Plus, the sugar in wine can interrupt sleep patterns as you get older, leaving you tossing and turning at all hours because you had just one more glass. 

Deli meats 

Time to rethink that weekend sandwich run. Or, at least what you are putting into the sandwich. Your favorite go-to deli meats are pumped with sodium and fat, WebMD explains, plus chemical preservative that raise your risk for certain cancers. Go for a lean meat option in your sandwiches — like skinless chicken — and pack on the veggies. 

Steam bag frozen vegetables 

This may be your go-to, quick-and-easy fix for getting vegetables into your diet. But this option isn’t as healthy as you think. As Livestrong tells us, pre-packaged veggie options contain added ingredients like creams, sauces, and salt, which take away some of the health benefits. Being mindful of what’s in your frozen vegetables can go a long way to keeping you fit, and healthier. 

Deep dish pizza 

Pizza is one of those unhealthy foods that we haven’t been able to get enough of since we were kids. Even though we know all the dough, cheese, and salty toppings are terrible for us. And as we get older, of course, those components ruin our waistlines and can contribute to long-term fight with obesity. To keep your body in check without giving up a slice of pie, steer of deep dish options. (All that bread is doing you no favors.) Opt for thin crust, less cheese, and load up on veggie toppings. 

Bacon 

This is kind of a no-brainer. You shouldn’t be eating bacon on a regular basis no matter what age you are. But of course, all that bad fats and salt packed into those strips are even worse once you reach a certain age because it greatly raises your risk of heart disease and stroke. While a nibble on a rare occasion probably won’t kill you, it’s better to just stay away from bacon all together. 

Cherries 

That’s right — those delectable little fruits should be limited in your diet as you get into your 50s and beyond. Despite their anti-inflammatory properties and loads of antioxidants, cherries are also packed with sugar. (And if your blood sugar is an issue, these are a big no-no.) Plus, eating too many cherries can cause upset stomach, nausea, and bloating. You can enjoy a few cherries here and there, but it’s best not to go overboard. 

Chicken skin 

Remember when we suggested swapping out your deli meats for skinless chicken? Really, you should be trying your best to always eat your chicken without the skin. While it makes the meat juicier, the skin is also loaded with a ton of fat, which can throw your cholesterol out of whack and add to your midsection. 

Dinner rolls 

It may seem like a meal isn’t complete without a side of bread. But having those rolls on the side are only going to add rolls to your waistline, especially as you get older. Plus, like with breakfast pastries, the carbohydrates in dinner rolls will make your blood pressure spike and then abruptly crash — leaving you hungry again, even after a large meal. (Especially if the rolls are made from white bread.) 

Soda 

Breaking a soda habit can be tough. But it’s crucial to your health the older you get, especially if you’re a diabetic. “This sugar rush,” Bauer says,” sends your blood sugar into a tailspin, and then you get an insulin surge and that promotes inflammation.” Unlike some foods on this list that can at least be eaten on a rare occasion, soda should be avoided at all costs. 

Grapes 

Here we have another fruit that you may think is too healthy to ever be bad for you. So what makes grapes a food to eat less of once you’re in your 50s? Like with cherries, the carbohydrate and sugar content is high and can make weight loss difficult. Take a cue from Livestrong and limit this fruit. 

Potato chips 

Once a potato becomes a potato chip, any and all nutritional value basically vanishes. You’re left with an empty, processed starch covered in blood pressure raising salt, which you’re no doubt going to over eat and gain weight from. Even if you’re at a social event and don’t snack very often, you’re better off skipping this snack and heading right for the veggie platter.

Bite Into These 13 Strange but Nutritious Foods

You might’ve heard of some of these foods, or have seen them at your local grocery store, but have paid no mind to them. Turns out that many of them are packed with goodness, and are definitely worth a try.

Not only are many of them filled with vitamins and nutrients, many of them actually taste good too. So why not switch it up and try something a little different? You may find your new go-to snack or dinner side. Here are 13 seemingly obscure foods you should try…

1. Ready Spaghetti

Are you tired of the same old spaghetti from a package or can? Turns out nature that has its own stringy pasta, and you don’t have to boil it and drain it either.

Prevention.com says this is the “dream vegetable” for pasta-holics, and all is required is to roast it at 375-F and scrape out the strings with a fork for “instant, 100% veggie pasta – minus the refined carbs.” You’ll get fiber, potassium, and loads of vitamins A and C, it adds.

2. Don’t Fear the Durian

This fruit, as shown by SheKnows.com, looks pretty uninviting. In fact, it is covered with little spikes that look like they might shoot out if you reach for one. But don’t judge a fruit by its cover.

The source says this is considered the “king of fruits” in many Southeast Asian countries – and it has a distinctive smell that some consider sweet and fragrant, while others find revolting. All you have to do is carefully remove the husk and eat it. Sources note it contains just about every vitamin and trace element you can think of.

3. Add Adzuki Beans

As the name of this bean may suggest, it’s popular in Japan, but it’s also commonly consumed in China, Korea and other Asian countries, says OrganicFacts.net.

These small beans apparently have been touted to aid in weight loss, manage diabetes, improve digestion, contribute to healing and growth, boost energy, and lower blood pressure, it adds. They are often boiled and used as a red bean paste in savory and sweet dishes.

4. These Nuggets Aren’t Chicken

Livestrong.com has its own list of weird foods that you can find at a grocery store, and promotes them as healthy additions to your diet. One of its selections is raw catfish nuggets, which is sort of like sushi if you think about it.

The source says catfish is loaded with protein, phosphorus and selenium, the latter that is “essential to good health.” It binds with proteins to form selenoproteins, which are “important antioxidant enzymes that are good for your cells,” says Livestrong. The same may not be said for some fast food nuggets.

5. Purple Potato Eater

OK, we’re not suggesting you add color to your potatoes – nature has already done that for you. This purple variety of potatoes is popular in South America, says SFGate, and can “brighten up any dish.”

These golf-ball sized potatoes are harvested year-round and contain the good stuff such as fiber and protein, with no fat. Purple potatoes apparently contain 4-times the antioxidants as classic Russet potatoes, thanks in part to Anthocyanin, which is the pigment that creates the purple appearance, adds the source.

6. Help Yourself to Kelp

You may have already eaten this without even knowing it at a restaurant or at home, but kelp is a vegetable of the sea (read: seaweed) that has many health benefits.

You might turn up your nose at the thought of eating seaweed, but it is rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements and digestive enzymes, explains Healthline.com. It also has concentrated iodine, which is essential to proper thyroid function and metabolism. A compound from kelp called sodium alginate is used as a thickener in everything from ice cream to salad dressing, it adds.

7. Don’t Take Pomegranate for Granted

Chances are your local supermarket has this superfruit, and the NHS in the UK says the “distinctive ruby-red jewel-like seeds” of this Middle Eastern fruit have been used for medicinal purposes “for thousands of years.”

The source notes that pomegranate is rich in fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, E. It will also deliver iron and other antioxidants, it adds. A 2013 study even found this fruit could help strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, adds the NHS. The fruit is often consumed as juice, and at least 1-study found the juice slowed progress of prostate cancer in men.

8. Look to Sea Buckthorn

Despite its name, this superfood doesn’t grow underwater – it actually grows on spiky bushes and can (literally) be a pain to harvest. However, it’s worth the effort because of the touted health benefits.

Prevention.com explains the acidic berries are a “key component of traditional Chinese medicine,” and boast a high level of healthy fats, including the “rare” Omega-7. It also contains about 15-times the Vitamin C content of oranges, according to the source. Sea buckthorn comes in a juice form, too, and is also apparently used as a beautifier in skin products, it adds.

9. Romance the Romanesco

DailySuperfoodLove.com calls this cross between broccoli and cauliflower “the vegetable you’ve never heard about.” A bright yellow-green color, the source also says the veggie is “incredibly unique and strangely beautiful.”

Aside from its exotic good looks, the Romanesco apparently “benefits every cell in your body” thanks to its high vitamin content (including Vitamin K), folate, fiber, iron, zinc, protein… you name it, it’s probably in there. The source touts its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, and even claims it can help to naturally prevent depression.

10. Wheat Berries Go With the Grain

You’ve surely had wheat in the form of whole-wheat flour, but as entire “berries” of grain, they are both delicious and nutritious. ” Cooked in simmering water until soft, wheat berries make a nutritious and mighty tasty addition to soups, salads, and side dishes,” explains TheKitchn.com.

Wheat berries give you all the benefits that you don’t get from other forms – including bran, adds the source. You’ll also get protein and a “bounty” of B vitamins, it adds. Bonus: they have a sweet, nutty flavor that works in both savory and sweet dishes.

11. Teff it Out

People with gluten intolerance can’t have grain without some unpleasant repercussions, but there’s apparently a naturally gluten-free grain out there called teff that’s native to Ethiopia. It’s also raised in parts of the U.S., so availability may not be as low as you’d think.

Because of the fact that this grain is gluten-free and more people are reporting an aversion to gluten or having Celiac disease, it’s taking off in this country, says DrAxe.com. It’s not just about what it doesn’t have; these tiny seeds are high in fiber, protein, manganese, iron, and calcium, adds the source. It reportedly helps aid in circulation, relieve PMS symptoms, support bone health, and more.

12. Star Fruit a Rising Star

Yes, this fruit got its name because it has 5-points and is yellowish – like how a star is commonly depicted. Healthline.com says this fruit is getting increasingly popular, and perhaps for good reason.

The source says the skin is edible (no peeling required!) and is a “decent source” of nutrients, the highest concentration being fiber and Vitamin C. It also only has 28-calories and 6-grams of carbohydrates per 91-grams, which is the size of a typical medium-sized star fruit, it adds. The fruit also has powerful antioxidant properties due to plant compounds such as quercetin, gallic acid and epicatechin, says Healthline. However, there is a disclaimer from the source – people with kidney problems shouldn’t eat it regularly, as it can lead to complications.

13. Dandelion Greens are Dandy

Dandelions are typically a weed you want to get rid of, but Livestrong.com says you can remove them from your lawn and put it on your plate – specifically the leafy green parts (although there are other ways to consume dandelions, like as a tea).

“Their leafy greens offer a bitter, peppery flavor that works well raw or cooked,” explains the source. The greens have “impressive” nutrient content, and are low in calories, it adds. Best of all, you may not have to pay anything for them if they’re growing wild in your yard!

You Need to Stop Believing These Lies You’ve Been Told About Drinking Beer

You may hail from one of the best beer states or prefer your routine of a Bud Light bottle, but either way, you likely believe one of these common beer myths.

Beer experts have revealed the common misconceptions beer drinkers believe about their brews, including the biggest myth of all that you probably believe about your gut (page 7).

Beer before liquor, never been sicker

You’ve blocked your ears before as your friends yell at you in the wake of a nasty hangover: Why’d you start with beer? Turns out that “liquor before beer, never fear,” is less a motto to live by and more of a myth.

It isn’t the order you drink different alcohol in, but the quantity you drink that makes the largest difference, as well as mixing alcohols in general: dark and light liquors, beers, and wines. “Could it be that ending with the higher-ABV drink causes bad decisions? I think quantity has a lot more to do with it than the order in which you consume them,” Steph Harding, editor of MittenBrew told Thrillist. 

The darker the beer, the higher the ABV 

It’s a common misconception that the darker your brew, the more alcohol content it has. However, your beer’s color is determined by its malt and how long its brewing process is, not its ABV. For example, the darkest beer commonly sold in the U.S. — Guinness — only contains 4.2% alcohol. “Because Guinness is black, most people think that it’s a very strong beer,” an expert told Men’s Health. 

When cold beer gets warm it skunks 

We usually call an ice cold beer gone warm “skunked,” but that’s actually incorrect. Your beer skunks because of its exposure to the UV rays, not because it gets warmer in the heat. While warmed beer may become staler quicker, it’s the chemical reaction that occurs when the beer is “lightstruck,” a term used by chemists and brewers, that actually skunks your brew.

Brown bottles block light, and cans and kegs are actually the best bet for protecting your beer from the sun. 

Ice cold beer is the only way to go 

Beer actually tastes best served between 40-55 degrees, Bryn Carey from Great Beer Now told Thrillist. “Macrobreweries are largely responsible for perpetuating the cold-temperature falsehood … Ice-cold beer numbs the palate, reducing the taste of the beer, and potentially leading to drinking more of them.”

Sheri Jewhurst and Xavier Jirau from Brooklyn homebrew club The Brewminaries break it down even further: Serve Pilsners and IPAs at around 40-44 degrees and heavier brews around 55 degrees. 

Darker beer is better for you 

It depends on your definition of “better.” Dark wines and beers tend to have more antioxidants than their lighter counterparts, but they also have contaminants called congeners in them. Darker liquors like whiskey and rum also have them, and they’re essentially byproducts of the fermentation process that add color and flavor.

The problem with congeners, Health says, is that they’re harder to digest. As they bottleneck in your system, you’ll likely experience a hangover that’s much worse than if you had drunk the same amount of a lighter alcohol. According to a 2008 study, it also takes fewer dark drinks to get you to that same awful place the next morning. 

Draft brews are the freshest of all 

The beer hierarchy is a common myth: draft, then bottle, then can. In reality, canned beers are often the freshest. While properly maintained draft lines give you the freshest beer from a tap, some bars allow their lines to pollute with “unwelcome microbes,” Men’s Health found.

Dave Glor, a German-trained brewer, called the draft system “not a sterile situation,” citing that acetobacter, which creates a stench of vinegar, “can grow in dirty tap faucets.” While clean bars will rinse their faucets appropriately, canned beer seems to be the way to go, and is least likely to skunk. 

Aging craft beer makes it ‘better’ 

Cellars are designed to age beers that get “better” with age like craft brews, and while they do change the flavor, they don’t actually improve the beer. David Acra, an area manager at New Belgium Brewing Co., said, “Properly made beer is ready to be consumed as soon as it is bottled … You may favor a properly cellared beer more than the fresh one. But ‘better’ is always up for debate.” 

Wine is healthier than beer 

We’re not calling beer the new kombucha. However, most experts think it gets a bad rap when compared with other alcoholic drinks. “Excess calories from beer are no more likely to contribute to weight gain than excess calories from anything else,” Christian Finn, M.S., told Thrillist. Czech researchers found it unlikely that beer intake correlated to increased BMI in a study on beer and obesity, and a 2011 review of over 30 studies on the subject only cited binge drinking as a cause of weight gain.

As far as the beer and wine debate, wine connoisseurs claim the polyphenol resveratrol is what makes a glass of wine good for your heart. Charles Bamforth, Ph.D. and professor of malting and brewing sciences at The University of California-Davis, called resveratrol a “grossly overplayed health story,” and pointed out that “beer’s polyphenols are every bit as potent as wine’s.” 

Alcohol kills brain cells 

This one you can probably credit to your grandmother or anyone sober who’s witnessed the antics of their drunk peers. But if you’re enjoying a social drink or two, you don’t have anything to worry about in this category.

Alcohol can be damaging to developing brains, which is why it’s a concern for unborn children and even for teenagers. But for adults, drinking alcohol doesn’t damage or kill entire cells. It does damage dendrites, The New York Times reports, which are the parts of neurons that help with learning and coordination. At most, it’s why drinking too much affects your ability to walk in a straight line or text a flawless message without typos.

Long-term drinking has other side effects that can ultimately lead to serious health concerns, but killing off brain cells isn’t one of them. 

Taking an aspirin before you drink wards off a hangover 

First things first: By the time you feel the effects of drinking too much, the aspirin you took ahead of time will have worn off. So not only is this a useless tactic, but taking painkillers at the wrong time can cause serious damage.

It’s especially important not to take aspirin or ibuprofen while you’re still drinking. The combination of the drugs and alcohol will further irritate your stomach lining, cause your liver to become inflamed, and allow more alcohol into your bloodstream. In essence, taking it too soon will have the opposite effect you’re looking for. If you wake up the next morning with that nuisance day-after headache, however, aspirin is still your best bet to alleviate some of the more terrible symptoms. 

Beer sets your workout routine back 

While you might think you need to down a few glasses of water post-exercise before hitting the bar with your friends, research indicates it isn’t necessary. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition compared the effects of rehydrating with beer versus water after exercising during hot conditions. The results found those who tanked up with beer were no worse off than those who consumed water. But keep in mind, we’re talking about standard beer rather than the craft brews that boast 10% alcohol content.