| RESEARCH SHOWS THAT DRINKING BEER IS GOOD FOR YOUR BONES
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Drinking beer in moderation could be important for healthy bones, according to the latest research by nutrition scientists at Cambridge.
Writing in the Shepherd Neame house magazine Master Brewer, Dr Jonathan Powell, head of biomineral research at MRC Human Nutrition Research, says a moderate intake of alcohol may be associated with better health, compared to that of those who either abstain or consume alcohol in high amounts.
But, of all alcoholic drinks, beer has particularly benefits for bone and connective tissue health because it is a rich source of silicon.
Dr Powell says: "Silicon appears to have a beneficial effect in increasing bone mineral density. Epidemiological work has identified a positive association between drinking beer in moderation (two units per day) and increased bone mineral density and the work of our group indicates this to be partly due to the silicon content in the beer. "
He said that alcohol derived from beer had an acute specific effect in reducing bone loss and that moderate beer drinking was likely to have a beneficial effect on bone, compared to those who drank high amounts of alcohol or abstained completely.
He said further research into the effects of silicon was needed but work at MRC Human Nutrition Research pointed towards it being beneficial to health.
"Beer, in moderation, is just one source that could be included into a healthy and balanced diet," he added.
