Drinking beer 'may prevent weak bones'
Researchers believe the silicon in beer could help to strengthen bones
Drinking some beers could help to prevent weak bones, according to new research.
Beer is a rich source of dietary silicon which could reduce the chance of developing diseases such as osteoporosis, according to a US study.
But those made from malted barley and hops contain more silicon than those made with wheat.
Some light lagers made from grains such as corn have the lowest levels of silicon, while beers made from hops seem to come out on top, according to researchers at University of California, Davis.
Their study, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, involved examining 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, while the National Osteoporosis Society welcomes measures to improve bone health we do not recommend anyone increases their alcohol consumption on the basis of these studies."
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