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5 Healthy Beers to Watch the Game With

5 Healthy Beers to Watch the Game With

Ahh, beer and football. A timeless pairing, though the image that comes to mind when considering the two isn’t usually one of health. But did you know that, like wine, having a glass of beer per day is considered good for you? Moderate beer consumption can help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease and provides roughly the same amount of antioxidants as wine — not to mention more protein and vitamin B.

That’s great news for the big game day if you’re a health-conscious beer lover. But sitting on the couch with your buddies, eating buffalo wings and downing multiple brewskis isn’t going to do your health (or your waistline) any favors. So drink in moderation, and check out the beers below for a lineup that beats out the competition when it comes to your health.

Guinness Draught

Guinness is known for its dark, full-bodied taste. But just because it’s filling doesn’t mean it’s full of calories. In fact, at 126 calories per 12 oz. serving, Guinness has fewer calories than many of its competitors, including Budweiser, Miller Genuine Draft and Heineken. And as the slogan says, Guinness is good for you. In fact, one study found that a daily pint of Guinness may be as effective as a daily aspirin in preventing heart attacks.

He’Brew Origin Pomegranate Ale

In moderation, beer can be good for you. But guess what? It’s even healthier when mixed with pomegranate juice. He’Brew Origin Pomegranate Ale is an imperial amber ale with a sweet flavor and strong, pleasant aroma that can be a hit at your Super Bowl shindig. The pomegranate juice it contains helps prevent cardiovascular disease, improve heart health and reduce high blood pressure (which can be helpful if the game isn’t going your way).

Sam Adams Light

Although light beer generally isn’t healthier than standard brew, calories will likely play a role in what you decide to drink — especially if you plan on having more than one brewski. Choosing a light beer can save you hundreds of calories over the course of the game, and while there are lighter, lower-calorie beers than Sam Adams Light out there (which is 4.3 percent alcohol and 119 calories per serving), it has a full-bodied taste that most other light brews can’t match.

Wychwood Brewery Ginger Beard Beer

This one’s an import, so it may be slightly harder to find. But it’s worth the search. It’s a traditional English beer that’s been infused with ginger root. Ginger has numerous health benefits; it improves digestion, lowers cholesterol and can even help prevent and treat heart disease. It’s also renowned for its abilities as a nausea suppressant.

Omission Beers

Going gluten-free may be trendy, but if you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies, it can significantly improve your health. Unfortunately, because beer is made from malted barley, it’s pretty much off-limits for people on a gluten-free diet… unless, of course, you drink gluten-free beer. While Omission beers (the company makes a lager, a pale ale and an IPA) are brewed with malted barley, the gluten is taken out via a proprietary process. Then each batch is tested to ensure the gluten has been removed. You can even check the gluten level of your specific bottle to be sure. How does beer taste without the gluten? The difference isn’t really noticeable.

Frances Masters

Frances Masters is a BACP accredited psychotherapist with over 30,000 client hours of experience. Follow her @fusioncoachuk, or visit The Integrated Coaching Academy for details about up coming training.