In the recent flurry of publicity over low-carbohydrate diets, some diet promoters have depicted beer as an unhealthful source of fattening carbohydrates. Not so, says a brewing expert at the University of California, Davis.

Rather, beer, in moderation, can be part of a "low-carb" diet and potentially a good source of soluble fiber and prebiotic substances that promote digestion, reports Charles Bamforth, chair of the Department of Food Science and Technology.

"Certainly obesity and the serious health problems it creates should be of great concern to everyone in the United States and other developed nations," said Bamforth. "But to erroneously claim that beer is high in carbs does a disservice to health-conscious individuals."

Find out why Charles Bamforth says beer should be on the South Beach Diet allowed food list at http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_27084.shtml.