Craft beer is good for you, scientists have discovered – but only if you stick to a bottle a day.
Microscopic organisms in ale boost gut health, protect against disease and promote restful sleep.
Lactic acid bacteria, found in beer from micro-breweries and Belgian brands such as Hoegaarden and Westmalle Tripel, crowd out harmful bugs.
The study by Nebraska University in the US found such beers, with yeast added after bottling, have up to 50 million probiotic bacteria.
However, mass-produced beer and lager does not give the same benefits as it may be pasteurised and filtered.
Bacteria expert Professor Eric Claassen, of Amsterdam's Vrije Universiteit, said: "Stronger beer is very, very healthy.
"We don't want to give people a licence to drink more but just one of these beers every day would be very good for you."
The findings were discussed at a research event hosted by probiotic yoghurt maker Yakult in Tokyo.
UK doctors advise drinking no more than 14 units a week – eight cans of 4 per cent beer or four and a half 330ml bottles of Westmalle.
