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)