Beer and coffee both offer health benefits when consumed responsibly; the answer to which beverage is healthier will depend on which you select and its caloric intake.

Darker beers often contain more calories than light beers due to being made with more malts containing carbohydrates, and higher alcohol content beers contain seven more calories per gram than lighter ones. Craft beers may have even higher carb counts; one 12-ounce bottle of Sierra Nevada’s Bigfoot barley wine might contain over 300 in total!

Beer and coffee contain essential dietary fiber for healthy diets. In addition, both beverages contain some B vitamins and folate. Furthermore, beer also offers some phosphorus, selenium, silicon and magnesium which may provide some additional nutrition; although whole foods offer better sources for these essential micronutrients.

Beer and coffee do not interfere with nutrient absorption, but both may lead to fluid loss; therefore they should be consumed sparingly. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, women should limit themselves to up to one drink daily while men can have two. One drink equals 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

Coffee and beer both contain antioxidants that may protect against certain cancers while simultaneously increasing liver disease risk. Furthermore, caffeine inhibits antidiuretic hormone levels which leads to dehydration; so after drinking coffee it’s essential to drink plenty of water as well. Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that drinking too much alcohol shortens life expectancy by speeding up telomere shortening, an early warning sign for heart disease and cancer.