BEER IS GOOD FOR YOU…?.

Beer lovers may know hops as the ingredient that gives their brew its bitter taste, but researchers have been studying their health benefits since the 1990’s. Hops are the flowers of hop plants and contain xanthohumol. Xanthohumol works by stopping substances known as procarcinogens (found in substances such as cigarette smoke or cooked meat) from converting within the body to cancer-causing agents, or carcinogens. Or, if a carcinogen has already been formed in the body, xanthohumol can trigger natural enzymes that convert carcinogens into harmless byproducts. Unfortunately, the concentration of hops in beer is relatively low. To get the amount needed for any health benefit, you would have to drink large quantities of beer regularly – carrying health risks that would far outweigh the benefits. Still, some researchers say it might be possible to make beer that contains high levels xanthohumol, so that one could drink beer in moderation and gain the health benefits. Or, the substances could be isolated and made into a capsule taken as a dietary supplement. ( The Wall Street Journal, November 16, 2005)