Is Beer Good for Your Bones?

For years, we have been hearing that wine is good for the heart. Now, new research suggests there may be a body benefit for beer lovers, too.

Turns out beer has a secret. It's a good dietary source of silicon, a chemical that's important for bone health and development.

Strength from Silicon
The news is no reason to run out and buy a six-pack if you aren't a beer drinker. And if you are a beer drinker, that's no reason to go above and beyond moderation when it comes to imbibing. But for those who enjoy the occasional brew, it's good to know that in a recent study that tested the silicon content of a hundred different commercial beers purchased from grocery stores, most contained between 6 and 57 milligrams of silicon per liter. And the ones with the most hops and malted barley scored highest. (How much beer is too much? Check out the YOU Docs' advice for keeping alcohol consumption healthy.)

More Foods Bones Love
Silicon stimulates collagen production -- an important protein that makes bones strong and joint cartilage flexible. And research suggests that people with higher intakes of silicon tend to have better bone-mineral density. Most people get between 20 and 50 milligrams of silicon per day from their diets. And although beer has a more bioavailable form, it's also found in certain foods, like bananas. Here are some more smart food choices for your bones:

• Brown rice: It's an excellent source of this lesser-known mineral that bones need.
• Chinese food: Find out why calcium-rich stir-fries make bones happy.
• Pizza: Top it with homemade sauce to score these two important bone-health minerals.

Brew Ha Ha
Not a drinker? No problem. Alcohol consumption comes with risks and benefits, so abstaining can be a smart choice as well. Find out what types of exercise help build bone density.

RealAge Benefit

Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger. Take the RealAge Test!

References

Actively patrolling your health can make your RealAge as much as 12 years younger. Take the RealAge Test  Copyright 2010 RealAge