New research reveals why that couple of brewskies may contribute to strong bones and beautiful skin. As if you needed an excuse to pop that tab.
The new study published online on February 8, 2010 in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, finds that beer is a very rich source of silicon.
An essential trace element and the second most abundant element on earth (next to oxygen), silicon is important in building bones and connective tissue, including blood vessels, tendons and cartilage.
How does it work? According to traditional Chinese medicine expert, Paul Pitchford, silicon is essential for efficient calcium utilization and increasing bone strength. A 1993 French study suggested that osteoporosis may be a silicon deficiency.
Not only does silicon contribute to bone mineral density, it is also useful in maintaining healthy nails, thick and lustrous hair, and glowing skin. Without enough silicon, you could experience thinning hair and brittle nails not to mention wrinkles. Research has also shown that silicon plays an important role in the prevention of atherosclerosis (by decreasing the formation of plaque in the arteries), insomnia, aluminum toxicity, skin disorders and tuberculosis.
The research was conducted by Charles W. Bamforth, Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting and Brewing Sciences at UC Davis. He analyzed 100 commercial beers and found that they contained an average of 30 mg of silicon per liter (about 2 beers) with a range of from about 6 to 56 mg per liter.
There are no official government dietary guidelines for the amount of silicon that is recommended in your diet but it’s estimated that the average American gets between 20 and 50 mg per day.
If your diet is rich in whole foods such as grains, vegetables, legumes and fruits, you won’t have to rely on beer for your silicon. Unprocessed foods that are good sources of silicon include buckwheat, millet, oats, brown rice, all lettuces (but especially Boston and bib), dandelion greens, raw cabbage, almonds, peanuts, carrots, celery, onions, parsnips, cucumber, pumpkin, honey, fish, apples, apricots, strawberries and oranges.
If you would like to experiment with the health benefits of beer, however, don’t miss the unlimited beer tastings and food samples at the upcoming 6th annual Brewer's Plate, which is Fair Food Farmstand's annual fundraising event. The Brewer's Plate was created by Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing in 2004 to highlight Philadelphia’s culinary culture and to show that a premium quality beer is a great complement to gourmet cuisine. Not to mention that it's good for you.
For more info: The Brewer’s Plate will be held on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at the Penn Museum. Buy tickets here. All proceeds benefit Fair Food Farmstand.
You might also enjoy these:
Comments