While previous research has found that beer in moderation is good for the heart, the latest results has shown that it is good for your bones too. Researchers at  the University of California’s Department of Food Science & Technology have discovered beer is a rich source of silicon. As dietary silicon is a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density it may also help prevent osteoporosis.

Research conducted previously had shown beer contained silicon but little was known about how silicon levels varied based on the different types of beer and malting processes.

The researchers wanted to understand the type of beer which offered the most silicon. They analyzed 100 samples of commercial beers bought at a local liquor store and discovered the silicon content on was average 29.4 parts per million (ppm). Indian Pale Ales, or IPAs, were the highest at 41.2 ppm. Ales tended to average 32.8 ppm, lagers 23.8 ppm, and light lagers 17.2 ppm. "Beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon," the authors reported.

So next time you feel the old bones rattling, grab yourself an IPA and possibly say goodbye to osteoporosis!