Oktoberfest 2015: Which Beers Are Healthy And Tasty Too?

One of the most popular pastimes in the US is beer-drinking. At least 39 percent of Americans interviewed in a Gallup poll  said that they prefer to relax with a cold beer rather than wine or hard liquor, according to HNGN. 

But even as it becomes colder, beer is seen as an internal "winter warmer," according to Smithsonian. However, its high calorie content has given it a bad reputation, while its health benefits are underrated.

"That's because of the fine line between alcohol being good for you and detrimental - you can get too much of a good thing," said dietitian and nutritionist Andrea Giancoli, via Details. "But beer does have a lot of things going for it, nutritionally."

Beer can help to enhance the immune system if it is taken moderately, says a study by the Oregon Health and Science University. Moreover, it is also full of iron that can help with the circulation of oxygen, says another study published in the Science of Food and Agriculture.

Check out the following list of healthy items, especially if you are planning to attend an Oktoberfest.

1. Guinness Draught is a well-known Irish beer that has packed 126 calories and 10 grams of carbohydrates in just one serving, according to Men's Health. The taste may be rich, but Budweiser and Heineken have more calorie content than Guinness Draught.

2. Abita Purple Haze is another wheat beer that has a raspberry flavor from New Orleans, with 128 calories and 11 grams of carbohydrates in every serving. The alcohol content is very low, at 4.2 percent.

3. Samuel Adams Light Lager is a light beer that was brewed in Boston since the 1800s. Its quality is full of flavour and has been maintained through the decades. It contains 119 calories and 9.7 grams of carbohydrates, with 4 percent alcohol content, based on its website.

4. Heineken Light has just 99 calories and 6.8 grams of carbohydrates, so this malted beer is an alternative health choice. It is freely available to all, so you can feel free to dip into it without being concerned about obesity.

5. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is the right choice for the man who wants hops. It level of antioxidants contains phytochemicals to bring down cholesterol, according to Men's Fitness. Even though it tastes strong, the calorie count is only 175, with merely 14.1 grams of carbohydrates and 5.6 percent alcohol, which works out to be much lower than regular 'pale ales'.