National Beer Day, Because Beer Is Good And Bill Murray Likes It

National Beer Day in the middle of the week — now that’s just not fair. Weekday drinking all too often means a hangover waking up for work the next day. In the throes of alarm clock attacks and fluorescent sunshine smacking your eyelids, a person might go so far as to wonder if beer is even worthwhile.

#NationalBeerDay Usually followed by #NationalHungoverDay pic.twitter.com/JRwcEOI3Wn

— Dude Kumakiking (@Kumakiking) April 7, 2015

But National Beer Day began on April 7, 1933, the first day it became legal to “once again legally buy, make, and drink beer” after the long dry spell of prohibition.

Depression-era beer drinkers didn’t have any doubts about how worthwhile beer was that day, and in Chicago alone there was an estimated $5 million in beer sales.

Beer is still a favorite, no matter how many hangovers it throws at you. And in the U.S., it’s affordable even without National Beer Day promotions. Brad Tuttle wrote in his Time.com article “8 Reasons to Love Beer on National Beer Day—or Any Day Really,” that the average American only has to work for five minutes to earn the cost of a beer.

Plus, it’s even kind of good for you. Reader’s Digest Best Health says that beer is full of nutrients, can help prevent illnesses like Alzheimer’s and diabetes, and is fat and cholesterol free.

“Beer is made from hops, barley, and wheat, so the beverage contains many of the same nutrients that grains do, including B vitamins, riboflavin, niacin and zinc. A bottle of beer can contain 92 mg of potassium, 14 mg of calcium and 48 mg of phosphorus, all minerals that are essential to a healthy diet.”

Beer contains antioxidants as well. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Biochemistry suggests that the levels of antioxidants found in blood are elevated after beer is consumed.

So why not enjoy it with a friend, or better yet, a celebrity. Ranker.com asked people to pick a star to go out with on National Beer Day.

“You’re choosing who out of all the interesting famous people on the planet would be your ultimate pick to grab a beer with — actresses, models, music artists, comedians, directors, politicians, athletes, and even billionaires could all be great choices.”

Bill Murray won the most votes in the famous man to drink beer with category. Beer and Bill Murray go back a long way. A fan told his story of serving beer to the star at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

“Then he took a hit of the beer. Tipped it all the way back. ‘Ah, Mr. Murray,’ I stammered. ‘Mr. Murray, I just wanted to say…I just want to say you’re my all time favorite. Really. I just think you’re the best.’ Bill Murray looked at me and gave me a half a nod. But with kind eyes, you know, like, ‘don’t go gettin’ all respectful on me now, kid, we’re at a golf tournament.’

“At the end of the day Murray was asked about the beer he was given on 14 and he said, ‘The beer was good.'”

[Image via billmurraystory.com and Power Lesson]