Health, Nutrition, and…Beer?! | The Craft Equation Podcast Beer and health aren’t words you usually hear in the same sentence — especially during Dry January, when conversations around alcohol, moderation, and nutrition are everywhere. In this episode of The Craft Equation, we take a science-first look at how beer fits into modern discussions about health, mindful drinking, and balance. We’re joined by Dr. Charles Bamforth, one of the world’s most respected brewing scientists, to explore what’s actually in beer beyond alcohol and calories, how the body processes beer depending on dose and frequency, and why moderation matters from a biochemical standpoint. We also dig into common myths around beer and weight gain, and discuss how Dry January, low-alcohol beer, and non-alcoholic beer are reshaping how people think about their relationship with alcohol. Rather than asking whether beer is “good” or “bad,” this episode focuses on context, chemistry, and nuance — grounded in evidence, not extremes. In This Episode, We Cover: What beer contains beyond alcohol and calories The role of fermentation, polyphenols, minerals, and yeast byproducts Why moderation matters chemically, not just culturally Dry January and changing attitudes toward alcohol Beer, weight management, and the origins of the “beer belly” myth How low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers change the conversation Where beer fits in a balanced, modern lifestyle About Our Guest Professor Charles Bamforth is Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis, and one of the most influential voices in brewing science. He has authored numerous books and hundreds of scientific papers on beer quality, foam, flavor stability, and brewing chemistry, and has served as President of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. His work has shaped how brewers and scientists around the world understand beer. Watch / Listen to The Craft Equation ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@motherearthbrewco 🎧 Podbean: https://motherearthbrewco.podbean.com 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-craft-equation/id1833372541 Follow Mother Earth Brew Co. 🌐 Website: https://www.motherearthbrewco.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherearthbrewco 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MotherEarthBrewCo 🐦 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MotherEarthBrCo About The Craft Equation The Craft Equation explores the science, business, and culture of craft beer through thoughtful conversations with brewers, scientists, and industry leaders shaping the future of beer.
