Finally, there's real science to back up what we've long suspected (or hoped):
Drinking beer can be good for you.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, say beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, which is key to increasing bone density. They analyzed 100 commercial beers for their levels of silicon, finding the levels varied based on the type of beer and malting process used.
Pale-colored malts have more silicon than darker beers and thus are more effective in preventing osteoporosis.
"Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon," said Dr. Charles Bamforth, lead author of the study. "Wheat contains less silicon than barley because it is the husk of the barley that is rich in this element. While most of the silicon remains in the husk during brewing, significant quantities of silicon nonetheless are extracted into wort and much of this survives into beer."
Wort is the sweet liquid that comes from mashing grains.
Bamforth and colleague Troy Casey released their findings in the February issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.
Here are the average silicon levels for various beer types:
- India Pale Ale (IPA): 41.2 mg/L
- Ales: 32.8 mg/L
- Pale Ale: 36.5 mg/L
- Sorghum: 27.3 mg/L
- Lagers: 23.7 mg/L
- Wheat: 18.9 mg/L
- Light lagers: 17.2 mg/L
- Non Alcoholic: 16.3 mg/L
Other studies, however, suggest it is a bad idea to consume more than one or two alcoholic drinks a day.
In an interview with LiveScience, Bamforth concluded: "Choose the beer you enjoy. Drink it in moderation. It is contributing silicon (and more) to your good health."
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