Research pints to beer's health benefits
Posted
New research suggests drinking beer can be good for bones and may help prevent osteoporosis, a condition where bones become thin and weak.
Scientists from the University of California have found beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, which they say helps build bones.
They looked at the raw materials and the processes involved in making beer and concluded that the majority of silicon is found in the husk of malting barley. They also found large quantities in hops.
Based on the findings, the researchers say moderate beer consumption may help fight osteoporosis.
Other scientists and nutritionists urge caution, arguing that sources of calcium and vitamin D are substantially more important to bone health than silicon.
They say consuming more than two units of alcohol a day increases the risks of breaking a bone.
- BBC
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