Drinking half a litre of non-alcoholic beer a day boosts levels of antioxidants, compounds linked to a lowering of risk for heart disease and cancer, a new study shows.

The beer also cut cholesterol levels in a 45-day trial involving nuns.

Beer, a drink made of fermented barley malt and flavoured with hops, has been shown to have more than 2,000 chemical components like folic acid, B vitamins and polyphenols – thought to have an antioxidant effect.

The researchers from the University of Madrid believe these polyphenols may reduce ‘oxidative stress’ – linked to heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

Oxidative stress is caused by compounds known as free radicals which damage proteins and genes.

Antioxidants neutralise free radicals. ‘Beer’s antioxidant activity is very important,’ said the researchers.