Beer: the New Sports Drink?

Are beer cans the new water bottles? A Canadian company is hoping so. Vampt's Lean Machine "recovery ale" is reportedly full of nutrients, electrolytes, and protein—and it's got just 77 calories. For those hoping to get buzzed after their workout, however, a warning: It's also only 0.5% alcohol. Experts tell NPR the idea could work. Beer's derivation from plants means it offers nutrients sports drinks don't, says sports nutritionist Ben Desbrow. Meanwhile, a recent study showed that tinkering with beer's chemical makeup can lessen the dehydration associated with it.

Another study suggested a link between nonalcoholic beer and better immune health. "A properly formulated beer beverage is likely to do you no more harm than you are likely to get from a sports drink," Desbrow says. "In fact, it probably is likely to do you more good, because it's got a lot of these sort of natural compounds … that are actually good for your health." At Jezebel, Erin Gloria Ryan notes that after many long races, beer is offered alongside the water and bananas. Interested? Lean Machine is currently being taste-tested, and Vampt is looking to start selling it this year. (Click to read up on 5 ways you shouldn't work out.)