Cheers, Guinness Drinkers!

I used to enjoy a cold glass of Guinness in Hoboken bars with friends. I loved the chocolate-milkish color and the rich flavor. Now there is another reason to enjoy a glass of the famous beer.

A pint of Guinness a day prevents heart clots (which can trigger heart attacks) as well as an aspirin, according to a study featured in this BBC News article.

The antioxidants found in the Guinness’s dark brew are responsible for its protective effect, the research in the BBC article found. Other foods and drinks that are sources of these beneficial molecules are red wine, coffee, fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, drinking lager does not yield the same benefits.

[Fun Facts] In England, post-operative patients used to be given Guinness, as were blood donors, based on the belief that it was high in iron. Also, pregnant women and nursing mothers were at one stage advised to drink Guinness - the present advice is against this.