Beer: The more the merrier, but could it also be the better???

Since ancient times, beer has had a reputation of being a staple in the diet. It’s synonymous phrase, ‘liquid bread’ is verification of this.

For ancient Egyptian workers, and the ladies-in-waiting of Queen Elizabeth I (England), beer was part of their salary!

Conducting experiments to check whether one can live on beer alone is unethical. However, during the Seven Years War (1756-63) the English fleet’s physician, John Clephane, conducted an interesting clinical trial.

Three ships sailed from England to America. One – the Grumpus – was supplied with excess beer, while the other two control ships – the Daedalus and the Tortoise – were given the ordinary amount. After the voyage, the Daedalus and the Tortoise reported 112 and 62 men respectively requiring hospitalisation while the Grumpus had only 13 – a clear-cut result!

Nonetheless, considering the state of lives back then, despite the fantasy, living on beer alone is not a good health strategy!

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