Beer has long been associated with lager louts and blokes with big beer bellies, but don’t be fooled – beer can actually be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Of course, as with any alcohol, the operative word is ‘moderate’. Drink too much of your favourite premium lager and you will turn out like the men who spend their afternoons slumped over the bar at the local working men’s club.

In moderation, beer can be good for you and even good for your liver. Beer gets rid of poisonous heavy metals like copper and lead and helps speed up metabolism.

Drinking beer can also reduce the risk of having a heart attack. Medical studies have found those drinking beer on a daily basis have a low rate of heart attacks. Again, we are talking about one or two beers, not a skin full in your local.

Now I have given you just a couple of the reasons why beer can be enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle, let’s take a look at some of the beers out there.

Fruit beer has become increasingly popular over recent years, particularly with women. There are all kinds of different flavours – from strawberry to apricot – and the fruity taste offers a sweeter alternative to traditional beer.

There is an endless list of lagers available in pubs and bars, including beers from around the world. Brands such as Foster’s and Carling continue to lead the way in the UK. Foster’s has recently launched a new premium bottled lager, Foster’s Gold. That is well worth a try.

There is so much choice out there – it is difficult to touch on them all. Just remember, beer can be used to supplement a healthy lifestyle. The next time you fancy one, don’t hesitate.