Beer drinkers have been found to have worrying misconceptions about low-carb beer, with a recent poll finding that some people believe it's the best beer for their health.
A poll by VicHealth found that 71 percent of low-carb beer drinkers thought it was a healthy alternative to full-strength beer, reports smh.com.au
59 percent of those surveyed said it was healthier than mid-strength beer while 30 percent thought it was better for them than lower-alcohol light beer.
The poll asked 500 Australians who were of drinking age what beer was the best to avoid weight gain. 87 percent said low-carb beer.
Respondents thought it was less bloating, less fattening, had less kilojoules and was "healthier".
15 percent of those surveyed said they drink more than usual when imbibing low-carb beer.
VicHealth executive director Todd Harper pointed out that it's not the carbohydrate in beer (which is half that of soft drink) that causes the most weight gain, it's the alcohol — and the alcoholic content of regular and low-carb beer is similar.
"The more alcohol you consume the more kilojoules you consume, and so dressing it up as 'low carb' really makes no sense in terms of your kilojoule consumption," Mr Harper said.
"If you want the healthier choice then a low-alcohol beer is the healthier one."
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