Scientists at U.C. Davis say that a silicon compound found in beer can help strengthen your bones. Silicon is a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density, and is present in beer as orthosilicic acid (OSA).
Researchers at the department of food science and technology at U.C. Davis tested 100 commercial beers for their silicon content. The scientists examined the silicon content of barley used in the brewing process—the husk of the barley contains the silicon.
They found that pale colored malts contained higher silicon levels than chocolate and black malts, which have been roasted.
So what beer do I drink to prevent osteoporosis? The U.C. Davis research suggests you should drink light-colored beers to increase you silicon intake. Too bad for us porter lovers.
I initially read that as "silicon compound found in beer cans"
ReplyDeleteWhat constitutes light-colored? Any ale/pilsner?
Yes light colored ales and lagers (which include pilsners) use the lightly roasted barley. Wheat beers, though also light in color, did not have similar levels of silicon.
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