IT turns out a pint a day may keep the doctor away, a study has found.
The Spanish study of 1249 men and women found those who drank moderate amounts of ale and lager reduce their risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.
The subjects who regularly drank beer in moderation also had a lower body fat content.
But Australian experts have criticised the findings, saying alcohol does more harm than good.
Beer contains folic acid, vitamins, calcium and iron which researchers say create a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
Lead researcher Dr Ramon Estruch said moderate drinking of beer was associated with nutritional benefits.
It does not necessarily mean weight gain since it has no fat and calorie content is low, he said.
A pint of beer contains 200 calories - the same amount as a cafe latte with full cream milk.
The researchers said binge drinking, fatty foods and a lack of exercise was to blame for beer guts.
Melbourne Alcohol Recovery Centre founder Brian Cox condemned the study findings for sending the wrong message.
"I don"t care what tests they do, for me alcohol is like heroin. Once you've had the first drink, it starts off the addiction," he said.
"We've got to look at the big picture. Alcohol is a progressive disease and we don't want to educate people saying booze is good for you when we know its totally not."
Dieticians Association of Australia spokeswoman Melanie McGrice said people should not be encouraged to drink alcohol because it was high in kilojoules.
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