I am looking at this from another angle, we know most of the effects beer will have on the body when consumed to excess, weight gain, intoxication etc. Beer consumed in the right way however can have some useful health benefits. Beer contains beta - glucans which are linked to lowering cholesterol levels, beer can also increase bone strength, due to the silicon contained in it. The high water content in beer has been shown to lower the risk of kidney stones and is a good source of vitamin B. I am on a fluid intake restriction due to a heart condition but still enjoy a beer occasionally, beer drinking was in no way linked to my health problems, the benefits of it definitely seem to outweigh the negatives.
I don't drink beer very often - usually only when I am out to eat at a restaurant or some sort of festival, where mixed drinks are far too expensive. I would much rather nurse a tall beer than blow $6 a piece on tiny rocks glasses of Rum & Coke that only have like a 1.5 oz pour in them. I could buy a whole bottle of bottom shelf rum for what I would pay for one drink at a restaurant. That's not to say that I hate beer, I actually enjoy several brands such as Blue Moon, Yuengling, and others. It's just that when I am drinking at home, it's usually to get a good buzz on, and with beer it takes forever and makes me feel bloated and gassy. I prefer the kick of a strong cocktail or liquor on the rocks.
