Beer is a rich source of a nutrient that can help prevent weak bones - but it depends what type you drink, researchers said.

As one of the nation's favourite drinks, beer is a rich source of dietary silicon, which can help cut the chance of developing diseases like osteoporosis, they said.

However, not all beers are the same, with those containing malted barley and hops having higher silicon content than beers made from wheat.

Some light lagers made from grains like corn have the lowest levels of silicon while beers made from hops seem to come out on top, according to the study from researchers at University of California, Davis.

Their research, published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, involved examining 100 commercial beers and their production methods.

The experts said beer was a major source of dietary silicon - roughly half of the silicon in beer can be readily absorbed by the body.

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