Beer is a 'health drink' and I can prove it, says Andhra Pradesh excise minister KS Jawahar

Amaravati: For Andhra Pradesh excise minister KS Jawahar, beer is a health drink and he is ready to prove it, a remark that would please guzzlers no end. [caption id=“attachment_3433322” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Representational image. AFP[/caption] Amid protests by women over the state’s new liquor policy, he purportedly told a TV news channel that the government would promote beer as a healthy drink. “Who said beer is not a health drink? I am ready to prove it’s a health drink,” he told the channel late on Monday night. A video clip of his remarks has gone viral on social media. The minister was not available for comment or clarifications. But, he reportedly sent a WhatsApp message to the channel this morning listing the “health benefits” of beer. “The health benefits of beer include anti-cancer properties, a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases, increased bone density, prevention of dementia and coronary disease. “It also aids the digestive system, treats diabetes and has anti-ageing properties,” the note, titled ‘13 amazing benefits of beer’, said. Excise department officials, however, pleaded ignorance about the move to promote beer as a health drink. “If it’s a health drink, why do we need a special licence for brewing? It could even be sold in any general store,” a senior excise official remarked.