Beer has plenty of health benefits, included aiding recovery after a workout, but it seems that brews are particularly good for the ladies. As women get older, they have to work harder to preserve their bone density. This is no news – if you’re female you’ve probably seen your mom pop a calcium supplement or even taken one yourself. However, while calcium is all fine and well, a nice glass of beer might help even more.
According to a study by the National Osteoporosis Risk Assessment examining 200,000 women, drinking beer puts females at a lower risk for osteoporosis. That means that if you’re a woman and you slam a pint regularly, you’re less likely to find yourself with a hip fracture, which are associated with shorter life spans after the age of 65. Additionally, beer is flavonoid-rich due to its hops. These flavonoids act as a natural hormone replacement (they’ve also been said to prevent colds), which could reduce menopausal symptoms – goodbye hot flashes.
When it comes to intellectual wellness, beer is also doing womankind a service. According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine which followed over 12,000 elderly women, “Women who consistently were drinking about one-half to one drink per day had both less cognitive impairment as well as less decline in their cognitive function compared to women who didn’t drink at all.”
Of course, don’t drink to excess: one beer a day should keep the doctor away. However, if you’re a woman, make sure to savor that one beer and reaffirm what you already know: that you’re stronger and smarter than everyone else.
