Many of us choose what we eat very carefully, or at least dedicate our minimum attention to it. But when it comes to drinks, especially alcoholic beverages, we do little to make the best decisions for our health. Which is a HUGE mistake. All the work for your body can be ruined in a weekend out. While foods and non alcoholic beverages are required to list their ingredients and are monitored by the FDA, beer does not belong in either. Alcohol industry had lobbied for years to avoid labeling its ingredients. Some to protect its recipes, but most – to hide harmful ingredients.
Here’s some harmful ingredients that are commonly found in beer:
- GMO Corn Syrup
- GMO Corn
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Fish Bladder
- Propylene Glycol
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Natural Flavors
- GMO Sugars
- Caramel Coloring
- Insect-Based Dyes
- Carrageenan
- BPA
- & lots more!
The Newcastle beer has been found to contain caramel coloring. Class 3 and 4 caramel coloring is made from ammonia, which is classified as a carcinogen. While alcohol is a carcinogen itself, drinking it in moderation may decrease your chances at developing cancer. However, more added carcinogens will have the opposite effect. “The one and only” beer with extra cancer causing qualities.
2. BUDWEISER
One of the most popular beers, or most advertised is Budweiser. Budweiser contains genetically modified (GMO) corn. In 2007, Greenpeace discovered experimental GMO rice in Anheuser-Busch (Budweiser) beer.
3. CORONA EXTRA
Corona’s commercials were always so peaceful and relaxing. That is until I found out that the beer contains GMO Corn Syrup and Propylene Glycol. Propylene Glycol is controversial, and is said to may be potentially harmful to your health.
4. MILLER LITE
This is another very popular beer in America that contains GMOs. Miller Lite contains GMO corn and corn syrup. It’s “GMO time”.
5. MICHELOB ULTRA
Less popular but still readily available Michelob beer, should be eliminated from your choices. This beer has been found to contain a genetically modified sweetener (GMO dextrose).
6. GUINNESS
Guinness is often praised for it’s smoothness. However, several investigations proved that Guinness ingredients are quite disturbing. The beer contains isinglass, an ingredient which comes from fish bladder and high fructose corn syrup has been long banned from many stores and drinks.
Update: Good news! We’ve contacted Guinness and they have stated that they no longer use high fructose corn syrup in any of their beers.
7. COORS LIGHT
Coors light is a drink that is very popular at bars and among college students. Mostly because its cheap. The beer contains GMO corn syrup.
8. PABST BLUE RIBBON
Pabst Blue Ribbon contains GMO corn and GMO corn syrup.
HEALTHY BEER ALTERNATIVES
So when it comes to beer you have to be very careful. Your best option is to find a microbrewery that you can trust. As with everything, try to avoid cheap, low-quality products. Bars may offer Coors Light, Miller Lite or Budweiser specials, but they are cheap for a reason. The rest of the world is banning GMOs everywhere, while USA is lagging years behind, and only several states offer GMO labeling laws. Choose organic beer. Beers that contain 100% organic labels, have to have ingredients that are all 100% organic. While an “organic” label just means 95% of it will be organic. European beer is most likely to be safe from GMO ingredients but unfortunately, most other beer contains GMO artificial ingredients, stabilizers, grains and preservatives, plus, HFCS. Check out this List of New Organic Beers for 2014
GMO FREE BEERS
Organic Beers (Unpasteurized & Unfiltered)
- Wolaver’s – all beers
- Lamar Street – Whole Foods label (brewed by Goose Island)
- Bison – all beers
- Dogfish Head (organic when ingredients available)
- Fish Brewery Company – Fish Tale Ales
- Lakefront Brewery – Organic ESB
- Brooklyn – (organic when ingredients are available)
- Pinkus – all beers
- Samuel Smiths – Samuel Smiths Organic Ale
- Wychwood – Scarecrow Ale
- Sierra Nevada – all choices
- Duck Rabbit – Brown Ale, Porter, Amber Ale, Milk Stout
- Dogfish Head- 60 Minute IPA, Shelter Pale Ale, Chicory Stout
- Shipyard – Summer Brew
- Victory Brewery – Whirlwind
- North Coast – Blue Star
- Bridgeport – IPA (Bottle conditioned)
- Ayinger – all choices
- Royal Oak – Pale Ale
- Fraziskaner – Hefeweisse and Dunkel Weisse
- Weihenstephaner – Hefe Weissbier
- Maisel’s – Weisse
- Hoegaarden – Belgian Wit
- Heineken
- Steamwhistle
- Amstel Light
- Duchy Original Ale Organic
- Mill Street Brewery
- Fuller’s Organic
- Nelson Organic Ale
- Natureland Organic
SHARE THIS WITH FELLOW BEER DRINKERS
It’s important to expose companies that use harmful ingredients in our products. This information is hidden from the public with millions of dollars of false advertising, laws, etc. You can always vote with your money. As this information about GMO beers spreads, we will see a decrease in production of these beers and the companies may eliminate the harmful ingredients altogether. Most importantly, when you hang out with your friends, you will be able to share beer that’s more delicious and healthier.
[via Organic Shift]
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