Beer is good for heart and soul

According to an analysis by Italy's Fondazione di Ricerca e Cura, moderate consumption of beer could reduce the drinker's risk of heart disease by 31 percent.

The Italian foundation based its findings on about 200,000 people's habits of drinking beer, wine and spirits.

Previous health studies have indicated that the antioxidants in red wine could help reduce drinkers' risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

However, it shocks some that beer could also have health benefits.

Alcohol can increase high-density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of hardening of the arteries and thickening of the blood, according to a Huffington Post article Wednesday. Both risks are direct contributors to heart disease.

According to the study, the best recipe for good heart health is an English pint of beer with a strength of 5 percent alcohol.

Maya Pugh-Jones, a 23-year-old sociology senior, enjoys two or three Indian Pale Ales with dinner a couple of nights a week. She said sitting back with a good beer is not only healthy physically but also mentally.

"Having a beer just takes the edge off," she said. "It's good for your psyche."