The History, Brewing Process, and Effects of Beer

Planning a BBQ and wondering if beer should be on your shopping list? Beer, the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, is undoubtedly one of the most beloved discoveries of mankind. As someone who enjoys drinking beer, I decided to delve into the topic to learn more about its history, brewing process, and effects on the body.

1. History of Beer

Beer is as old as civilization itself, with its roots dating back to ancient times. The Ancient Sumerians were among the first to brew beer around 4300 BC, valuing it even more than money.

In fact, according to the Ancient Encyclopedia of History, a bad batch of beer could lead to drowning as a form of punishment. Fast forward to later history, beer became commercially established in Germany, Austria, and England by 1200 AD. In the United States, the oldest brewery, Yuengling, was founded in 1829. The end of beer prohibition in 1933 marked a significant milestone in the beer industry. Today, there are over 1,900 breweries in the United States, generating a revenue of 6 billion.

Get quality help now

KarrieWrites

Verified writer

Proficient in: Free Essays

5 (339)

“ KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Statistics show that 67 billion cans of beer are consumed annually, which is enough to reach the moon 20 times.

2. Key Ingredients in the Brewing Process

The brewing process involves three key ingredients: malted barley, hops, and yeast. Malted barley, a basic grain used in cereal, bread, and baked goods, is mashed into an oatmeal-like consistency. The sugar-rich "Wort" is then drained off for further processing. Hops, boiled with the "Wort," add flavors and aromas to the beer. Different varieties of hops and timing create different types of beer.

Yeast is added to the mixture, where it cools and ferments. During fermentation, yeast converts sugars into ethanol and CO2, resulting in the alcoholic content and carbonation of the beer.

3. Effects of Beer on the Body

When consumed, the human body can metabolize approximately one beer per hour, depending on the strength of the beer. Alcohol is absorbed by the stomach and small intestine before entering the bloodstream and traveling to the brain. In the brain, alcohol affects the cerebral cortex, responsible for decision-making and emotions, the cerebellum, which controls balance and coordination, and the medulla, regulating involuntary functions like breathing and body temperature. Excessive consumption of beer can lead to a hangover, characterized by dehydration, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and the presence of impurities from fermentation byproducts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beer has a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations, with key ingredients playing a crucial role in the brewing process. While moderate consumption can be enjoyable, excessive drinking can lead to intoxication and undesirable effects on the body. To quote Homer Simpson, "Here's to beer, the cause and solution to all of life's problems."

Works Cited

• Mark, Joshua J. “Beer.” Ancient Encyclopedia of History. Web. June 12, 2012. http://www.ancient.eu.com/Beer/
• Yuengling. Web. June 16, 2012. http://www.yuengling.com/our_story/
• Brewer’s Association. “Number of Breweries.” Web. June 16, 2012. http://www.brewersassociation.org/pages/business-tools/craft-brewing-statistics/number-of-breweries
• Statistics Brain. “Beer Industry Statistics.” Web. June 16, 2012. http://statisticsbrain.com/beer-industry-statistics/
• Perry, Lacy. “How Hangovers Work.” Web. June 16, 2012.