Beer - Not Just For Breakfast Anymore - Beats Water After Exercise

http://www.newsmax.com/health/beer_beats_water/2007/11/19/50636.html

Beer Beats Water After Exercise

Monday, November 19, 2007

Drinking beer after exercise could be more beneficial than water, according

to a new Spanish study which says it helps perspiring exercisers regain

liquid better than water. The Granada University study also said beer

bubbles help quench thirst, and the carbohydrates help replace lost

calories. (Who knew?)

In tests carried out over several months, 25 college students performed

strenuous exercises in 104-degree heat. Half of the students were given beer

to help them recover, while the other half got water. The hydration effect

of the beer was judged to be "slightly better" than the water.

Skeptics point out that previous studies show alcohol increases the amount

of liquid lost by urination. However, British nutrition expert Dr. James

Betts allowed that a moderate amount of beer might be just as good as water,

but probably not better. Betts said, "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 effect."