Hop, Hop Hooray!
Researchers at Oregon State University in Corvallis have reported that xanthohumol, an antioxidant in hops, may thwart the
growth of prostate cancer by triggering the rampant cells to self-destruct. Unfortunately, an "effective dose" equals 17 beers
(please don't try that at home). Upshot: The findings may lead to the development of a beer-derived pharmaceutical
treatment.
Cheers to your Heart
Wine snags a lot of credit for its heart-healthy effects; truth is, moderate consumption of beer provides the same benefits.
Research suggests that it's the alcohol itself that lowers cardiovascular risk (by reducing inflammation, "thinning" the blood
and improving insulin sensitivity).
A New Multivitamin?
Beer, like wine, contains antioxidants, as well as B Vitamins, and in some cases soluble fiber, which has been linked with
reduced cholesterol and improved water retention.
Strong Bones
In a Tufts University study of 2,900 men and women, people who drank a beer or two a day had higher bone-mineral
densities than nondrinkers. Scientists say silicon, a mineral in beer that promotes healthy bones, may be to thank.
Soothing Brews
An Australian study published earlier this year suggests that antioxidants in hops, called humulones, may help to soothe
chronic inflammation that is the result of an immune system in overdrive. In recent years, scientists have linked inflammation
with a variety of chronic ills, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and arthritis.
Cold Ones for Hot Flashes?
Scientists at the Research Institute of Brewing and Malting in Prague recently announced that they've created a new
non-alcoholic beer that may reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. It's long been known hops naturally contain low
levels of the same plant estrogens found in soy; the Czech researchers used new technology to boost the concentration (to
ten times that of some lagers).
Researchers at Oregon State University in Corvallis have reported that xanthohumol, an antioxidant in hops, may thwart the
growth of prostate cancer by triggering the rampant cells to self-destruct. Unfortunately, an "effective dose" equals 17 beers
(please don't try that at home). Upshot: The findings may lead to the development of a beer-derived pharmaceutical
treatment.
Cheers to your Heart
Wine snags a lot of credit for its heart-healthy effects; truth is, moderate consumption of beer provides the same benefits.
Research suggests that it's the alcohol itself that lowers cardiovascular risk (by reducing inflammation, "thinning" the blood
and improving insulin sensitivity).
A New Multivitamin?
Beer, like wine, contains antioxidants, as well as B Vitamins, and in some cases soluble fiber, which has been linked with
reduced cholesterol and improved water retention.
Strong Bones
In a Tufts University study of 2,900 men and women, people who drank a beer or two a day had higher bone-mineral
densities than nondrinkers. Scientists say silicon, a mineral in beer that promotes healthy bones, may be to thank.
Soothing Brews
An Australian study published earlier this year suggests that antioxidants in hops, called humulones, may help to soothe
chronic inflammation that is the result of an immune system in overdrive. In recent years, scientists have linked inflammation
with a variety of chronic ills, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's and arthritis.
Cold Ones for Hot Flashes?
Scientists at the Research Institute of Brewing and Malting in Prague recently announced that they've created a new
non-alcoholic beer that may reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. It's long been known hops naturally contain low
levels of the same plant estrogens found in soy; the Czech researchers used new technology to boost the concentration (to
ten times that of some lagers).
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(Source Cited - Eating Well Magazine, October/November 2006)
Much attention has been paid over the past decade to the potential health benefits of
wine. While this subject certainly has its naysayers, significant scientific research proves
that, when consumed in moderation, moderate consumption of wine can provide some
real health benefits.
What most of this research overlooks, is that beer can have many of the same benefits.
Now that beer is finally coming into the fringe as a beverage of sophistication in the
United States, it is finally getting its opportunity under the microscope, and scientists are
discovering some fascinating truths about the effect of moderate quantities of beer on
our health.
Much attention has been paid over the past decade to the potential health benefits of
wine. While this subject certainly has its naysayers, significant scientific research proves
that, when consumed in moderation, moderate consumption of wine can provide some
real health benefits.
What most of this research overlooks, is that beer can have many of the same benefits.
Now that beer is finally coming into the fringe as a beverage of sophistication in the
United States, it is finally getting its opportunity under the microscope, and scientists are
discovering some fascinating truths about the effect of moderate quantities of beer on
our health.
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