Study: Beer Builds Strong Bones - Mineral In Ale May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

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[chance33_98]

Study: Beer Builds Strong Bones
Mineral In Ale May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

UPDATED: 5:53 p.m. EDT July 4, 2002

BOSTON -- Scientists have kept the secret to strong bones bottled up for years. Now, a new study has raised the bar on the list of nutrients that could have benefits.

Television station WCVB reported that the good news is pouring out -- beer builds bones.

A new study shows beer is rich in the mineral silicon. Researchers said that learning which parts of our diet have high concentrations of silicon may be key to preventing osteoporosis.

"Animals that are deprived of silicon have poorly developed skeletons and the muscular system is also poorly developed," Hebrew Rehabilitation Center's Dr. Douglas Kiel said.

The study found that men get up to 33 percent more silicon in their diet than women. The source for men ahead of most of the others is beer, researchers said.

As for women, the highest dietary sources included green beans, cereal and mineral water.

But it's the grain in beer that appears to provide an easily absorbable form of silicon. Boston Beerworks Brewmaster Herb Lindtveit said that locally micro-brewed varieties have the purest grains, but any beer will do.

"All beers have some barley in them," Lindveit said. "The enzymes in the grain actually convert some of the starches into sugars and the sugars are what ferment to create the beer."

Others agree that this recent research is refreshing. But some warn the real benefit is in the combination of nutrients, such as calcium, and vitamins D and K.

"Silicon is not a magic bullet in bone health. It's just another key player in this effect that helps us have healthy bones," Tufts Nutrition School's Dr. Ann McDermott said.

So keep drinking that milk. But raise your glass to a new ally for an old ale-ment.

Non-alcoholic beer also is made from barley, so there is reason to suspect it also would be a good source. The study appears in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

[R. Scott]

Yuengling has got to be the best draft beer available anywhere, and that from a man who doesn’t ordinarily drink draft.

[RonF]

Uh oh. My secret is out.

[RonF]

Big difference between silicon and silicone.

[RonF]

It isn't so much that American beer is watered down, it's that they use brewing adjuncts so much. Instead of using 100% barley in their malt, they use rice and wheat, or just starch from whatever source. Not as much protein, not as much silica, not as many enzymes, etc.

The Germans are right on this one. Water, yeast, barley, and hops. Anything else and it's not beer.

[mountaineer]

This is right up your alley!

I'm preventing osteoporosis with the help of your namesake and this:

[brewcrew]

My profile page reveals some of my favorite quotes, and one of my favorites is:

Relax. Don't worry. Have a homebrew.

--Charlie Papazian, author of The Complete Joy of Homebrewing

Now I have another reason - like I really needed one.

[AdA$tra]

Three words: India Pale Ale

[Constitution Day]

Behold, puny mortals.. our bones are stronger than steel!!

All your beer are belong to us!

[bmwcyle]

It cures what Ales ya!

[Clara Lou]

How does Mexican beer fit into this picture? I like to have a Coronita every now and then. =)

[Kaslin]

Did you know that the oldest brewery in the world in in Weihenstephan Germany. It was founded in the 12th century by monks. Every brewmaster in Germany went there to get schooled

[DainBramage]

Last night I was totally unbreakable.

[GnL]

BEER: It's not just for breakfast anymore!

[curmudgeonII]

If the silicon in beer is so great, why not chomp on some broken glass instead?

[AdA$tra]

How does Mexican beer fit into this picture?

It depends on how many "additives" were included by the gringo hating Mexican who "brewed" it.

[Fresh Wind]

Yuengling Black and Tan. Yum!!

[dalereed]

"If the silicon in beer is so great, why not chomp on some broken glass instead?"

Injesting a little #60 silica sand would be a whole lot less painfull and easier.

[Fresh Wind]

It depends on how many "additives" were included by the gringo hating Mexican who "brewed" it.

Worms, perhaps?

[AdA$tra]

Worms, perhaps?

I was thinking more along the lines of a Corona colored substance we all produce in varying quantities. I am however craving Mezcal for some reason now.

[tall_tex]

The worst beer I ever had was wonderful..