Health

Beer Could Make Bones Stronger

by candice.tsuei | August 12, 2009 at 03:14 pm

729 views | 10 Recommendations | 6 comments

According to a Spanish study published in the journal Nutrition, bones of women who drink beer regularly are found to be stronger, making them less likely to suffer from osteoporosis, a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture.

It is not the first time a research is conducted to analyze the correlation between drinking habit and bone density. Back in February, a research done by Tufts University also revealed that "among older adults, regular, moderate alcohol intake is associated with greater bone mineral density."

The research, led by Dr. Juan D. Pedrera-Zamorano from University of Extremadura in Cacerus, surveyed almost 1,700 healthy women with an average age of 48 about their drinking habits. Then, the researchers ultrasound scanned the women's hands and gathered data about the bone structure. The result showed that bones belonging to beer drinkers to be denser, hence stronger.

The Spanish researchers said: "Silicon plays a major role in bone formation. Beer has been claimed to be one of the most important sources of silicon in the Western diet...Beer is also rich in phytoestrogens, plant versions of oestrogen, which keep bones healthy. "

While beer could perform the magic of strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis, wine does little to protect against the disease.

The researchers do not recommend drinking beer to strengthen one’s bones, presumably due to the numerous health problems caused or exacerbated by excessive alcohol intake. But maintaining bone density into old age is certainly a good thing, especially given the prevalence of osteoporosis among the elderly.

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bigdani

at 18:11 on August 12th, 2009

Beer can be nothing but good!

Barry Artiste

at 20:16 on August 12th, 2009

Damn Straight Homer Simpson cant be wrong. There is a reason why they call it Molson Muscle I mean it is the ultimate VEGAN drink, oat, hops,barley,cold filtered water, malts. Damn it may even cure cancer.

softlight1728

at 01:42 on August 14th, 2009

well, that is great information about beer, thank you for sharing ...should probably drink more beer and not only on special ocasions...;-))

softlight1728 has contributed a photo to this story.

DrMobs (not verified)

at 16:27 on August 16th, 2009

The report is of an association between dense bones and beer drinking, not a cause/effect. Women with stronger bones may prefer beer. Bone density is difficult to increase after age 25 years so IF beer had a positive effect on bone it would more likely be due to prevention of bone loss, rather than "make bones stronger".

Pelican (not verified)

at 05:58 on August 18th, 2009

It's the silicon in beer. The alcohol in it will hurt your liver, the maltose will give you an unsightly protruding belly, and the scent will give you very bad breath. I think a better alternative is to drink barley tea (available online and in Oriental grocery stores). Also hulled barley (rather than pearl barley) is great in pilaf, salads, soups, and stews.