Dept Of Duh! - Beer After Exercise May Be Better Than Water, Study Finds

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Beer After Exercise May Be Better Than Water, Study Finds

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 regan 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 strenous

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 scepticism 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.