Beer can help lose weight, finds survey

3rd August 2010, 8:46am

Research has found that beer, when drunk in moderation, can help consumers lose weight, cut alcohol consumption, and more generally, help supplement a healthy lifestyle.

New figures from CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, and the Beer Academy found that 34% of men and 29% of women incorrectly believe that beer contains more calories than other alcoholic drinks.

This research follows on from a report by the Beer Academy entitled 'Beer the Natural Choice?', and authored by Isla Whitcroft, a leading health journalist. The report is an examination of the health giving properties of beer, and its composition as a natural product.

In a calorie comparison of beer versus other alcoholic drinks, the report found that a half pint of 3.8% bitter has 85 calories, medium sized glass of 12% red wine has 119 calories and a bottle of 5% alcopop has 179 calories.

Speaking at the Great British Beer Festival, Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive, reiterated the impact of these findings. He said: "It is great news to see the myth of the beer belly finally laid to rest.  The main message we are putting forward today is that as a low alcohol drink, beer can supplement a healthy lifestyle if consumed in a responsible manner. 

"And as a quality product, one need only visit the Great British Beer Festival this week to see that a number of beers, whilst low in alcohol, are still packed with a fantastic amount of flavour. After all, two of the last four Champion Beer of Britain winners have been Milds, traditionally weighing in at around 3% ABV, therefore in no way does less alcohol translate into less flavour."

The research is being released during CAMRA's Great British Beer Festival at Earls Court, London (August 3rd-7th).

Related Articles:

• 06 Aug 2010 - CAMRA launches new edition of Cellarmanship
• 05 Aug 2010 - CAMRA relaunches its Heritage Pubs website
• 04 Aug 2010 - CAMRA launches Britain's fastest and longest trail using Twitter
• 04 Aug 2010 - Champion Beer of Britain 2010 crowned
• 27 Jul 2010 - CAMRA launches Edinburgh Pub Walks booklet
• 26 Jul 2010 - Great British Beer Festival provides tasting sensation

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