Could Moderate Beer-Drinking Help Fight Cancer?

If there is one thing we can say for certain, then it is that winter is well and truly on its way here in the Northern hemisphere. And there’s no better way to get cosy and escape from the cold and the rain than to spend time with friends and family down at your local pub…

Now, it turns out that your favourite beer could mean more than just a relaxing night out – it actually has ingredients that could help fight cancer.

Make it a pint

If you are a beer connoisseur then you’ll know that hops is the key ingredient that adds bitterness to beer. In recent years, there has been a lot of exciting research on the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties found in the cone-shaped hops flowers.

Hops are mainly grown in the UK – and they’ve been valued for their healing properties for centuries. In fact, the Romans ate hops as a vegetable and in more recent years chefs have been experimenting with them in recipes to add an unusual bitterness and herbaceous flavour to dishes.

The latest studies have found that the acids in hops – called “humulones” and “lupulones,” which are also antiviral and antibacterial – could help prevent leukaemia by stopping the diseased cells from connecting to bone.

In addition to the cancer-fighting acids, hops are also packed with antioxidant flavonoids, called polyphenols, and even some fibre.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not suggesting that you should put yourself on a ‘beer diet’. Fortunately, hop extract is already widely available as a supplement and it is used for its ability to help prevent weight gain, improve sleep, and support joint health.

You can safely supplement with hop extract in either tablet form or as a liquid extract — but, like beer, it might make you a bit sleepy.

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Disclaimer: Bear in mind the material contained in this article is provided for information purposes only. We are not addressing anyone’s personal situation. Please consult with your own physician before acting on any recommendations contained herein.

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Sources:

Beer Key Ingredient May Help Cure Cancer, techtimes.com

Moderate beer-drinking could prevent cancer, illnesses, raycomgroup.worldnow.com

8 Ways Beer is Good for You, everydayhealth.com