Cheers for BEER!

Beer. It's an American past time and my boyfriend's best friend. It can knock the sting off of a hard day and make anybody pretty. Let's face it, the social benefits are through the roof, but when consumed moderately, so are the nutritional benefits.

Since beer is made of natural ingredients, I always tell people that drinking a beer is better than drinking a soda that is loaded down with artificial flavors and carcinogens.

Not only is beer fat free, but it has vitamin B, calcium, potassium, silicon, zinc, sodium, magnesium, niacin, selenium and phosphorous. It's loaded! The antioxidants and vitamins in beer can help rebuild muscle and reduce the risk of heart disease. Also, it has one of the highest energy contents of any food and drink, which doesn't mean you should have six beers -- one gives you energy and six makes you a sloth.

Calorie wise, light beer is best. However, dark beer is best for all of the health benefits. Dark beers also contain more iron, which is an essential mineral for all parts of the body. Iron helps carry oxygen from our lungs to other parts of the body. Another healthy choice is microbrews. Microbrews, since produced in smaller batches, contain more hops. Hops contain polyphenols that help lower cholesterol, fight cancer, and kill viruses. Therefore, tell your doctor you'll just drink a beer instead of filling your prescription! I kid.

Drink in moderation. Easier said than done, I know. Beer can also cause significant long-term health problems to your kidneys, liver, and heart...not to mention your waistline and dignity.

Cheers!