Beer Calories

An alcoholic beverage made from fermented cereal grains, beer has calories from both the alcohol and carbohydrates. These are typically called empty calories because they do not contain a significant amount of nutrients that fuel your body’s daily functions. Although carbohydrates need to be a significant part of a healthy diet – up to 60% – the carbs in beer are not the ideal source for nutritional value. Some are complex carbs, but beer often contains simple carbs too, which can have a poor effect on blood sugar levels. And since many calories in beer also come from the alcohol, which is used as energy first by your metabolism, the carbs in beer are often turned to sugar and subsequently stored as fat. But not all beer is bad, and the nutritional information will help identify beers that are low in calories and carbs. While some beers can contain 30 grams of carbs per bottle, most light brews and even Guinness contain less than 10 grams per serving. Typically a lower amount of calories, as shown on the calorie chart, indicates fewer carbohydrates. As with any dietary indulgence, beer is best limited to one serving daily, perhaps two or three on occasion.