Drop That Apple! A Beer a Day Also Keeps Doctor Away

People who drink a beer a day keep the doctor away 25% more of the time--at least when contrasted with nondrinkers and hard liquor users--according to a Johns Hopkins University study.

Researchers studied data on 8,000 people over 15 and found that those who were considered moderate beer drinkers were sick less often than people who did not drink or those who drank hard liquor or wine.

Thomas Turner, president of the Hopkins Alcoholic Beverage Medical Research Foundation, said moderate drinking is determined by a person’s weight, giving as an example three beers for a 150-pound person over a 24-hour period.

Turner said it is not clear why beer seems to be beneficial but added that the beverage does contain minerals and vitamins.