Is Michelob Ultra–the low carb beer–okay?
Dr. Agatston: I do not know the carbohydrate content of Michelob Ultra. In general, though, because beer has the sugar maltose in it, it is by far the most fattening of all alcoholic beverages. Most alcoholic beverages when consumed with a meal help delay digestion and thereby have a favorable effect on the glycemic index of the meal. The maltose in beer is digested more rapidly than any other food and causes large swings in blood sugar and insulin levels. This is the origin of a beer belly. We do not get wine bellies because wine does not contain maltose. Light beers with lower carbohydrate content are better than regular beers but I would be very careful and monitor my response.
