In general, moderate alcohol consumption - defined by the USDA’s dietary guidelines for Americans as no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women - may protect against heart disease. Guinness Draught has a lower alcohol content, at 4.2% alcohol by volume, compared with 5% for Budweiser and Heineken, and 4.9% for the Samuel Adams Cream Stout. This makes sense when you consider that alcohol is the main source of calories in beers. In the United States, Guinness Extra Stout, by the way, has 149 calories.

By comparison, the same size serving of Budweiser has 145 calories, Heineken has 142 calories, and Samuel Adams Cream Stout has 189 calories. A 12-ounce serving of Guinness Draught has 125 calories. Here’s more potentially good news about Guinness: Despite its rich flavor and creamy consistency, it’s not the highest in calories compared with other beers. According to his research, stouts on average contain 12.8 micrograms of folate, or 3.2% of the recommended daily allowance. Folate is a B vitamin that our bodies need to make DNA and other genetic material.

“We showed that Guinness contained the most folate of the imported beers we analyzed,” Bamforth said. And though you wouldn’t rank it as healthful as a vegetable, the stouts in general, as well as other beers, may be justified in at least some of their nutritional bragging rights.Īccording to Charlie Bamforth, distinguished professor emeritus aof brewing sciences at the University of California, Davis, most beers contain significant amounts of antioxidants, B vitamins, the mineral silicon (which may help protect against osteoporosis), soluble fiber and prebiotics, which promote the growth of “good” bacteria in your gut.Īnd Guinness may have a slight edge compared with other brews, even over other stouts. It’s made from a grist (grain) that includes a large amount of roasted barley, which gives it its intense burnt flavor and very dark color. The original Guinness is a type of ale known as stout. It has also been touted as being “good for you,” at least by its own advertising posters decades ago.īut can this creamy, rich and filling beer really be added to a list of healthy beverages? Or is its reputation just good marketing? We researched the beer’s history and talked to brewing experts and break out the good, the not-so-great and the ingenuity of Guinness. Guinness, like other Irish stouts, enjoys a seasonal popularity every St.

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