Having a glass of beer is a better option than drinking water
after exercising, says a Granada University study.
The study led by Professor Manuel Garzon, of Granada's medical
faculty, made the discovery after conducting tests on 25 students
over several months.
In the study the participants were asked to run on a treadmill
under stifling temperatures of 40C, until they were close to
exhaustion.
Researchers measured their hydration levels, concentration
ability and motor skills, after the students were on the point of
giving up their physical exercise.
Half of the participants were then given two half pints of
Spanish lager to drink, while the left were given water.
Both groups were then allowed to drink as much water as they
wished to.
Garzon said the rehydration effect in the students who were
given beer was 'slightly better' than among those given only
water.
He said that the carbon dioxide in beer helped quench the thirst
more quickly, while beer's carbohydrates replaced calories lost
during physical exertion.
Dr. James Betts, an expert in post-exercise rehydration at Bath
University, said instead of being diuretic, beer helps in getting
fluid inside the body.
"People think of alcohol as being a diuretic, but if you are
already hydrated, a small amount of beer could be a way of getting
the fluid in," the Daily Mail quoted him, as saying.
Based on the findings, the researchers have recommended moderate
consumption of beer, i.e. 500ml a day for men or 250ml for women,
as part of an athlete's diet.
(Agnecies via China Daily November 8, 2007)
