Does beer have health benefits?

Beer has a some minor health benefits including lowering bad cholesterol and providing a small amount of potassium and B vitamins, writes WebMD. However, medical professionals caution moderation in all alcohol consumption.

Made from grains, hops and yeast, beer contains small amounts of good carbohydrates, potassium, and B vitamins, states WebMD. Doctors recommend one alcoholic drink per day for women, and two per day for men.

Heavy drinking, however, negates all of beer's potential health benefits. Too much beer can lead to cirrhosis, obesity, liver cancer and alcoholism, cautions WebMD. Binge drinking beer can also cause stroke, breast cancer, colon cancer and chronic hypertension.