Beer is a source of silicon , a mineral involved in the formation of bone and cartilage, so its moderate consumption could prevent the onset of osteoporosis, a progressive decrease in bone mass that makes bones brittle like glass and prone to fractures. However, not all beers have the same effect. The most beneficial are those containing hops and malt milk , according to a new study conducted at the University of California and published in the latest issue of the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture .
In addition to silicon – it is also present in water, cereals and vegetables – beer provides carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and, according to recent research by the University of Extremadura published in the journal Nutrition , it is rich in phytoestrogens . These chemical compounds are similar to human estrogens, female hormones whose levels decline at menopause in women, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
According to experts, moderate consumption of this drink (one can for non-pregnant women and a maximum of two for men per day) has a place in a healthy diet , as it has been shown to also reduce cardiovascular events and the possibility of suffer infections, by boosting the immune system, as has been proven in mice.
