Fox News Friday , November 02, 2007
Having a beer after exercise could do you more good than drinking water, a new study suggests.
Beer can help someone who has sweat regain liquid better than water, the bubbles help to quench thirst and the carbohydrate in beer help replace lost calories, Spanish researchers say.
The study results came from testing 25 college students asked to do strenuous exercises in 104-degree temperatures. They were then split into two groups, one given beer and other water to help them recover. The tests were conducted over several months.
The hydration effect in those who drank beer was "slightly better" than those who drank water, said study leader, professor Manuel Garzon of Granada University.
The results have been met with some skepticism as previous studies have shown most alcoholic drinks increase the amount of liquid lost through urination.
Dr James Betts, a nutrition expert from Bath University in Britain, said a moderate amount of beer might be just as good as water at helping the body retain liquid, but was unlikely to be better.
"If you are dehydrated to start with following exercise, a beer, as opposed to a spirit, probably does not have a high enough concentration of alcohol to induce a diuretic (increased urination) effect," Betts said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,307518,00.html
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