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
Search ABC News
Featured Video
-
Video
Britain's foreign secretary William Hague faces increasing pressure to explain why he shared a hotel room with a former male staff member.
-
Video
Rescuers continue to search for over 40 people who are missing after a landslide hit a village in southern China.
-
Video
Julia Gillard has moved one vote closer to hanging on to her job.
-
Video
Samantha Stosur has cruised through to the third round of the US Open with a crushing straight sets win over fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova.
The ABC News Online Investigative Unit encourages whistleblowers, and others with access to information they believe should be revealed for the public good, to contact us.
