Beer-drinking is a favorite pastime in America and at least 39 percent said they prefer to unwind with a cold beer rather than wine or hard liquor, according to a Gallup poll. As the weather gets colder, beer is also a preferred "winter warmer," according to Smithsonian. Yet beer has a reputation for its high calorie content and its health benefits are largely not acknowledged.
"That's because of the fine line between alcohol being good for you and detrimental - you can get too much of a good thing," said dietitian and nutritionist Andrea Giancoli, via Details. "But beer does have a lot of things going for it, nutritionally."
Beer is said to help boost the immune system when imbibed in moderation, according to a study by the Oregon Health and Science University. It's also packed with a lot of iron to help with oxygen circulation, according to another study published in the Science of Food and Agriculture.
Below are some of the healthiest beers to drink and enjoy. Make a note of this if you're going to be at any of the Oktoberfest events.
1. Guinness Draught. This famous Irish beer contains just 126 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates in one serving, according to Men's Health. The taste may be rich, but Budweiser and Heineken have more calorie content than Guinness Draught.
2. Abita Purple Haze. This wheat beer with raspberry flavor from New Orleans has 128 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving, as stated on its website. It also has low alcohol content (4.2 percent).
3. Samuel Adams Light Lager. Some beer drinkers pass on "light" beer, but not on a Sam Adams Light Lager. Brewed in Boston since the 1800s, this flavorful beer's quality has been maintained over the years. Sam Adams Light Lager contains 119 calories and 9.7 grams of carbohydrates, with 4 percent alcohol content, based on its website.
4. Heineken Light. With only 99 calories and 6.8 grams of carbohydrates, this malted beer is another favorite healthier choice. It's practically accessible anywhere too, so feel free to indulge without worrying about your waistline at any time.
5. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. If you're hankering for hops, this ale has more hops content than the regular stuff. Thus, it has more antioxidants as hops contain phytochemicals that can lower cholesterol, according to Men's Fitness. It tastes a lot stronger too, but its calorie count is at 175 only, with 14.1 grams of carbohydrates and 5.6 percent alcohol content. These numbers are a lot lower than other regular pale ales.
