Hydrating, Hangover-Free Beer Invented

Perhaps the philosophy of a "cleansing beer" will actually hold true in the near future; researchers at Griffith Health Institute have reportedly created a more hydrating beer, Australian news sources report.

ABC News reports that the researchers have added electrolytes to a light beer, which makes it "three times more effective at hydrating" than regular beer. The researchers claim the added electrolytes do not affect the taste.

"We know that beer is a very popular drink with people, particularly after... sport or exertion," associate professor Ben Desbrow told ABC News. "From our perspective it's about exploring harm minimization approaches that may still allow people to potentially drink beer as a beverage but lower the risks associated with the alcohol consumption — and hopefully improve rehydration potential."

Interestingly enough, scientists have suggested that drinking a beer after working out might actually be more hydrating, thanks to the carbonation, and the carb content could help replace lost calories.

Of course, hangover science says otherwise about the hydrating part. "Alcohol in a dehydrated body can have all sorts of repercussions, including decreased awareness of risk," Desbrow said. "So, if you're going to live in the real world, you can either spend your time telling people what they shouldn't do, or you can work on ways of reducing the danger of some of these socialized activities."

The added electrolytes make this light beer particularly hydrating, researchers say; electrolytes are lost when sweating, and the body requires fluids to replace them. Major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. Best news yet: Additional electrolytes could reduce the probability of a hangover, which is often caused by dehydration. Our Sundays are looking just a bit brighter.