Official News page 9

REAL LIFE NEWS: SEE, I TOLD YOU BEER WAS GOOD FOR YOU!

by Hazed

It seems that women who regularly drink beer have stronger bones, which means they are less likely to suffer from osteoporosis.

It is thought that the reason for this is the high level of silicon in beer. This slows down the thinning that leads to fractures, as well as boosting the formation of new bone. It could also be because of phytoestrogens (plant versions of oestrogen) which beer is rich in. These also keep bones healthy.

The researchers quizzed about 1,700 healthy women with an average age of 48 about their drinking habits, and then took ultrasound scans of their hands. The results showed that the bones of the beer drinkers were stronger. The women's hands were used because the finger bones are among the first to show signs of osteoporosis, a disease of bone that leads to an increased risk of fractures. It is most common in post-menopausal women.

Those who had less than a pint a day, who are classed as light beer drinkers, fared just as well as those who fell into the moderate category, which suggests that just a small amount of beer does the trick. No news on what kind of beer would be best, though. Shame that the virtual beer Diesel's Old Peculiar will probably have no effect.

Give a cheer for the beer!

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