Low bone density is an important health issue for women, but men also lose bone mass as they age. Weight training and adequate consumption of calcium, vitamin D, and protein contribute to strong bones. Silicon in the form of orthosilicic acid is important for the growth and development of bone and connective tissue.
A study from the University of California showed that beer is a rich source of dietary silicon and is the principal source of silicon intake in the Western diet. Moderate beer drinking may prevent osteoporosis (bone loss), heart attacks and strokes, increase longevity, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Moderate beer drinking improves metabolic health by lowering insulin resistance, which influences sexual performance, abdominal fat deposition, blood pressure, blood fats (i.e., LDL and HDL cholesterol), and inflammation.
Like the old German drinking song said: “In heaven there is no beer; that’s why we drink it here; and when we’re gone from here, our friends will drink our beer.”
Source: Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, in press; Published online