Beer is good for you, but that’s not the point
February 25, 2010 9:00 AM
Scientists have recently concluded, using science, that beer may help increase bone density in adults.
Researchers at the University of California, Davis (which is also where one of the very few brewing schools in North America is located) will be publishing their findings in the February issue of The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture and should leave beer drinkers totally unaffected.
The study was conducted to extend the findings of previous studies which found that beer was a rich source of dietary silicon, which is a key factor in increasing bone mineral density.
This could (maybe) have an impact for those of us concerned about keeping osteoporosis at bay.
One hundred commercial beers were tested, with many different styles being represented to establish whether or not the malting and brewing processes affected levels of dietary silicon.
Findings had shown that barley husks were the highest source of silicon, and lighter malts contain more than darker malts. Hops also were shown to contribute to a beer’s silicon level.
Because of this, the scientists have concluded that pale ales have the highest levels of dietary silicon while wheat beers, non alcoholic beers, and light lagers have the lowest levels.
Although some studies have suggested that a high intake of dietary silicon though a moderate daily drinking schedule can help prevent osteoporosis, these claims should not be taken too seriously. The study did not look at bone mineral density or analyze patient data.
Now, what impact should this have on us as beer drinkers? Absolutely none. While the information is interesting, beer does not get consumed because people are worried about their silicon intake. No one has ever said “breaking a hip at 86 would suck. Better have a beer.”
At the rate most of us have consumed beer in the very recent past we should all have indestructible adamantium bones like Wolverine, but all I have is an empty bank account and a laundry list of sins to confess.
What I’m really getting at here is that while studies like this one are interesting, they seem kind of unnecessary. We drink beer because we enjoy it. It tastes good, it smells good, it can be bought on campus by the jug, it’s a legal intoxicant, but is it a natural health product? No, and I don’t think anyone has ever argued that.
Whatever the purported health benefits of beer, whether increasing bone density or promoting cardiovascular health, we have to remember to appreciate beer for what it is. Consider the art and the science that go into designing the tastes and smells and feel of every beer you drink, because therein lies the true value of the beer, not in a secondary supposed health benefit.
