10 Healthiest Beers, Ranked

The 10 Healthiest Beers, Ranked
There's no question that beer gets a bad rap when it comes to whether or not it's good for you—in fact, you've probably just come to accept the fact that knocking back a pint or two is somehow derailing your general well-being. But while it's true that a few too many six packs can wreak havoc on your waistline—and possibly your social life—beer actually can do a body good, believe it or not.

1. Pacifico
Giancoli's personal favorite, this Mexican pilsner comes in at just 135 calories (per 12 ounces), with 12 grams of carbs."Lighter beers are usually lower in alcohol or carbohydrate content," says Giancoli. "Either way, they're lower in calories because of that."And when it comes to weight-watching, calorie content should be the first thing you look for, she says. For a lower calorie beer, she adds, Pacifico (which has an alcohol content of 4.5 percent) is better tasting than most: "Why have a Coors Light when you could have a Pacifico?" she asks. Indeed.

2. Guinness Draught
This traditional Irish stout has a reputation for being heavy—and hard-hitting—but at 128 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving (with 4.2 percent alcohol), it's actually neither. The same goes for most dark beers, says Giancoli. "Darker beer doesn't necessarily have more alcohol," she says. "Guinness isn't higher in alcohol or calories. The heavy taste doesn't translate to more alcohol." What dark beer does have more of, however, is fiber: Approximately 3.5 grams, as compared to the 2 grams found in lighter beers.

3. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
This super-popular brew is heavy on the hops, and if you're into hops, you're in luck: "More hops means more phytochemicals," says Giancoli. Sierra Nevada also has a slightly higher alcohol content (5.6 percent), as well as a few more calories and carbs (175 and 14.1 grams, respectively).

4. Sam Adams Light Lager
We know, we know: Light beer? Blech. But fans of Sam Adam's swear by its taste, and at 119 calories per serving (with 9.7 grams of carbs), it's definitely a good pick for those looking to stay slim. Of course, the alcohol content is lower, too—just 4 percent—so if you're just gonna end up drinking more to compensate, it makes more sense to start with a brew that'll get you buzzed with fewer servings.

5. Abita Purple Haze
What better way to add antioxidants—and flavor—to beer than brew it with fresh raspberries? In addition to the fruit-powered nutrients, this purplish lager also has an alcohol content of 4.2 percent, as well as 145 calories per serving and 11 grams of carbs.

 

 6. Left Hand Good Juju
This actual "ginger ale" is made with fresh ginger, which aids in digestion and is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. It's also on the lower calorie end: 131 per serving, with 4.5 percent alcohol.

7. Yuengling Lager
A traditional amber lager, this version is naturally higher in calories than Yuengling Light (135 vs. 98), but it's significantly higher in alcohol content (4.4 percent vs. 3.8), so you likely won't drink as much. Oh, and it tastes better, too, while still being a lot lower in calories than some options.

8. New Belgium Sunshine Wheat
This American pale wheat ale gets high marks for flavor (thanks to notes of orange peel and coriander), but isn't particularly high in calories for a wheat-y beer: 145 per serving, with 4.8 percent alcohol and 13 grams of carbs.

9. Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA
In the market for a more, shall we say, knock your socks off kind of beer? At 7.10 percent alcohol, this one will definitely get the job done—and for just 188 calories. (Yes, that's considerably higher than the other beers on this list, but again—your overall consumption will likely be lower, and the calorie content still ain't bad.)

10. Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA 
For a Belgian IPA with a relatively high alcohol content (5.6 percent), this brew is surprisingly low in carbs (10.8 grams). The increased buzz factor will, however, cost you a few extra calories: 180 per serving.

Source:MSN