Beer for better bones?

The silicon content is some beer can help build stronger bones and may prevent osteoporosis, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of California at Davis tested 100 commercial beers for their silicon (also called silica) content and found that many of them were rich sources of the mineral, which has been linked to bone health. The beers’ silicon levels ranged from 6.4 to 56.5 mg per litre, the researchers said, meaning that two litres of high-silicon beer a day could provide 100 per cent of the daily-recommended dose of silicon. Among the beers tested, India Pale Ale contained the greatest level of silicon, likely because of its high concentrations of malt and hops.

Of course, runners won’t do very well drinking two litres of beer every day. Thankfully, there are other good sources of dietary silicon, including exercise-friendly bananas, granola, oat bran, green beans, dates, carrots and raisins.

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