Drinking beer ‘could prevent weak bones’

BEER is a rich source of a nutrient that can help prevent weak bones – but it depends what type you drink, researcher claim.

Beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, which can help cut the chance of developing diseases like osteoporosis, they said.

However, not all beers are the same, with those containing malted barley and hops having higher silicon content than beers made from wheat.

Some light lagers made from grains like corn have the lowest levels of silicon while beers made from hops seem to come out on top, according to the study from researchers at University of California, Davis.

Their research, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, examined 100 commercial beers and their production methods. The experts said beer was a major source of dietary silicon – roughly half of the silicon in beer can be readily absorbed by the body.

Charles Bamforth, lead author of the study, said: “Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.

“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.”

Dr Claire Bowring, from the National Osteoporosis Society, said: “These findings mirror results from previous studies which concluded that moderate alcohol consumption could be beneficial to bones.”

However, she advised against people upping their alcohol intake.

“While low quantities of alcohol may appear to have bone density benefits, higher intakes have been shown to decrease bone strength, with an alcohol intake of more than two units per day actually increasing the risk of breaking a bone.”