According to researchers at the University of California, drinking beer may decrease your risk for osteoporosis. Before you head to the fridge for a brew, you may want to stop and consider what type of beer is best for your bone health.
The study found that malted barley and hops were the ones that had the highest levels of silicon, which is the main ingredient that contributes to bone health. While some lighter beers may have silicon included, it isn’t enough to make a significant benefit to strengthening or stopping degeneration of your bones.
How Much Beer to Drink to Help Your Bones
If you’re a beer lover, especially the malted and hops varieties, you may be thrilled at this news. However, don’t go overboard because the benefits of drinking these types of beer only come to you if you drink small quantities of it, specifically less than two units a day. Drinking anymore of this may actually contribute to breaking bones.
If You Are Not a Fan of Beer
If you’re into the lighter beers or don’t like beer at all, you don’t have to worry about not being able to get your recommended daily amount of silicon. You can also get it from baking powder and water.
Photo Courtesy of:mccun934 on flickr
Tue, Feb 9, 2010
Health, Muscles & Bones