The main active ingredient of beer is <answer>alcohol</answer>, and therefore, the health effects of <answer>alcohol</answer> apply to beer. Consumption of small quantities of <answer>alcohol</answer> (less than one drink in women and two in men) is associated with a decreased risk of cardiac disease, stroke and diabetes mellitus. The long term health effects of continuous, moderate or heavy <answer>alcohol</answer> consumption include the risk of developing <answer>alcohol</answer>ism and <answer>alcohol</answer>ic liver disease. A total of 3.3 million deaths (5.9% of all deaths) are believed to be due to <answer>alcohol</answer>. Alcoholism often reduces a person's life expectancy by around ten years. Alcohol use is the third leading cause of early death in the United States.
What is beers primary active ingredient?
alcohol