Griffith research suggests beer for good health

It was only recently that Griffith University research showed that it’s possible to improve the hydrating effects of beer without killing off its taste.
Associate Professor Ben Desbrow from Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland has now extended his study of beer to see how it can be further manipulated to improve its rehydration potential.

Taking 12 males into the lab, tests entailed them drinking beers of varying strengths following a controlled exercise-induced weight-loss activity.
His study, “Manipulations to the alcohol and sodium content of beer for post-exercise rehydration,” published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, found that a large concentration of electrolytes added to beer further enhances an individual’s fluid retention following low alcohol beer consumption.
Additionally, the study found that the rehydration potential of mid-strength beer is also affected by electrolyte enrichment. Specifically, that the concentration of electrolytes appears to have more significant impact on post-exercise fluid retention than small changes in the alcohol content of beer.
Based on this latest research, the Griffith University associate professor and his team are now seeking to further understand beer consumers’ motivations using an online questionnaire.
“Now that we know that beer can be manipulated in a variety of ways to enhance its health giving potential, the next step is to find out the attitudes of the beer drinking population,” he says. “We want to know their attitudes to beer drinking and what influences their behaviour. What are the financial and lifestyle factors that affect their beer choices and which factors make it more appealing to them?
“We know that a large number of people enjoy beer and given that it is a plant-based beverage, there is definitely room to improve beer’s health profile.”

Griffith School of Allied Health Sciences

The School of Allied Health Sciences at Griffith University embraces learning, discovery and engagement in order to achieve the university’s goal of helping individuals, groups and communities achieve healthy lives.
Griffith offers a range of physiotherapy, exercise science and sport degrees which are known for their innovation and practical relevance. The programs help to prepare students with knowledge and skills for a range of careers which focus on the prevention of ill-health through the application of physical activity and sound practice.
Griffith Health Sciences students will be taught by expert teachers with clinical experience. Many of Griffith’s staff have been recognised for their teaching expertise through Teaching Citation Awards, Commendation Awards for Teaching, and Griffith awards for Excellence in Teaching.
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