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(NC)'Summer is often a time of unabashed enjoyment, when sitting on a patio soaking up the sun makes us forget our long, cold winter. But for some, summer can also be a time of watching waistlines and getting into shape. What may come as a surprise to many is that enjoying a beer this summer can be part of both agendas ' and might actually be good for you.

It's a common misconception that beer is fattening and unhealthy. The reality is that beer, enjoyed in moderation, can provide a myriad of health benefits.

Most Canadian beers, from nationally available brands like Labatt Blue Pilsener to smaller micro-brews, are made from only the finest natural ingredients ' water, grains, hops and yeast ' and do not contain any preservatives. Beer is an excellent source of B vitamins and contains soluble fibre and many antioxidants. Recent studies show that moderate consumption of beer may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stomach ulcers.

So, not only does beer have more of the good things we want, it also has less of the bad things we don't want. Fat, for example. Beer contains no fat and has fewer calories than most people probably think. When compared to juices, colas and even brown rice, beer actually has the fewest calories.

Did you know

• 12 oz. serving of Labatt Blue has only 140 calories

• 12 oz. serving of juice has 180 calories

• 12 oz. serving of cola has 150 calories

• 1 cup of brown rice has 214 calories

So, from now on, enjoying a beer does not have to be a guilty pleasure. Enjoyed in moderation, beer is better for you than you may have thought.

For more information on beer visit www.labattblue.ca. Cheers!

- News Canada