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Men blame beer for their big bellies. But a pint of beer a day won’t make you gain weight - and it could even protect your heart and bones, studies show, the Daily Mail reports.

A new graphic draws together the latest information on beer drinking.

And experts say there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the belief that beer in particular causes weight gain.

Nutritionist Dr Kathryn O'Sullivan says it is the consequence of any excess calories being consumed, regardless of whether they are from beer, wine or food.

In fact, she said that in many instances, beer has a relatively lower calorie value compared to other alcoholic drinks as well as a variety of everyday food items such as a banana, a bag of crisps or a cappuccino.

Challenging the label 'beer belly', she said: 'Moderate beer consumption does not lead to weight gain or abdominal fatness and the perception that drinking beer results in a beer belly is not supported by the scientific evidence to date.'

She says that obviously, if drunk in huge quantities, beer will cause weight gain - but so would any type of alcohol or excessive food intake.

The graphic also highlights research by Dr Henk Hendricks, of the TNO Nutrition and Food Research Institute, the Netherlands, who reviewed a number of studies and found two to three units of beer a day (the equivalent of around one pint) was found to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Professor Giuseppe Grosso, of the University of Catania found beer can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, and even keep your hair, nails and skin looking radiant as it contains high levels of silicon, the graphic said.

And their work follows research found the 'beer belly' is a myth.

The graphic was created by Britain's Beer Alliance, which consists of brewers including SAB Miller, Carlsberg, Heineken, AB InBev and Molson Coors – national and regional brewers, pub companies – including Fullers, Wells & Young's and Shepherd Neame – industry organisations – including the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Cask Marque.