Findings from the University of Wisconsin couldn’t have come at a better time. With St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, recent study results have shown that a pint or two of Guinness may just be what we need to prevent heart attacks.
The health benefits of Guinness were actually trialled on dogs with narrowed arteries – similar to a human with heart disease. The dogs given Guinness (as compared with lager) had reduced clotting in their blood, leading researchers to claim that Guinness is as effective as aspirin to reduce blood clotting.
If you need another reason to get a little merry this St Pat’s day, the research also found that the black stuff contains antioxidants that slow down harmful cholesterol building up on artery walls.
While Guinness makes no official health claims for the drink – despite the "Guinness is good for you" advertising campaign used years ago, researchers seem to strongly agree with the slogan.
Supposedly the most benefit researchers saw was from 24 fluid ounces of Guinness - just over a pint - taken at mealtimes. Happy St Patrick’s Day!