Beer on a prescription will likely remain a wishful dream for many regulars, but worldwide research has shown that beer, when consumed in moderation, is a relatively side-effect-free beverage with many positive medical effects - something that folk medicine has known for centuries. Only now can modern science gradually decode what has been passed down. The positive effects of beer, for example, in cases of kidney stones, cardiovascular diseases, or osteoporosis, are scientifically well-documented. The vitamins and trace elements in beer, especially B vitamins, contribute significantly to a balanced diet, just like the high water content. Current discussions are focusing on test results regarding the ingredients of hops, which apparently play an important role in cancer prevention.