Beer Can Be Good for You, Researcher Claims, But Others Not So Sure

(NewsCore) - It turns out a beer a day may keep the doctor away, The Advertiser reported Tuesday citing a Spanish study.

The study of 1,249 men and women over the age of 57 found those who drank moderate amounts of ale and lager reduced their risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

And with beer containing folic acid, vitamins, iron and calcium, researchers claimed it has the same health benefits already attributed to moderate wine drinking.

Lead researcher Dr Ramon Estruch said moderate drinking of beer was associated with nutritional benefits.

But "moderation" was key and the researchers also suggested drinkers needed to combine beer with exercise and a healthy Mediterranean diet high in fish, fruit, vegetables and olive oil, for optimum results -- blaming fatty foods like chips, a lack of exercise and binge drinking for the so-called "beer belly."

But Australian experts criticized the findings, saying overall alcohol does more harm than good.

Melbourne Alcohol Recovery Centre founder Brian Cox condemned the study findings for sending the wrong message.

And Dieticians Association of Australia spokeswoman Melanie McGrice said people should not be encouraged to drink alcohol because it was high in kilojoules.