Is drinking a pint of Guinness good for you?
Life & Style

Is drinking a pint of Guinness good for you?

WHILE endless pints of Guinness are being poured in the build up to St Patrick's Day, the health benefits of the black stuff continue to be debated.

At 170 calories per pint, it's the equivalent to a pack of Cadbury's cholocate buttons (170 calories) or a single bag of original Hula Hoop crisps (175 calories).

A spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association told The Irish Post that while Guinness has no clear nutritional benefits, drinking it in moderation shouldn't be a health concern.

"There are certainly some studies that have looked at alcohol in moderation that have been cardio protective," she said. "So you could say Guinness in moderation will add some nutrients. Although, be sure to advise not exceeding recommended Government guidelines."

See below for the nutiritional breakdown:

Per pint (568ml)

Calories: 170
Carbohydrate: 8.5g
Fat: trace
Protein: 2
Alcohol: 18.8g
Total sugars: 8.5g (of that maltose) - (0g glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose)

Per 100ml

Calories: 30
Carbohydrate: 1.5g
Fat: trace
Protein: 0.4
Alcohol: 3.3g
Total sugars: 1.5g (of that maltose) - (0g glucose, fructose, sucrose, lactose)