Breast cancer is a major concern for women, with statistics showing that one in every eight women will develop the disease at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, there are many things that women unknowingly do to increase their risk of breast cancer, such as using personal care products filled with parabens or drinking alcohol. It’s never too late to start a breast cancer prevention plan and one potential key element comes from a surprising source – beer.
Hops: A Health Food in Disguise?
Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago have discovered a compound with significant potential in breast cancer prevention – hops. Already considered a health food, hops have been used by women to ease post-menopausal symptoms, functioning as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for reducing hot flashes. However, new research suggests that hops may also help to prevent breast cancer.
A study published in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology found that a compound in hops called 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN) triggered a detoxification process in breast cells known for its key role in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Although this study was performed on breast cells in a petri dish, researchers have indicated that further studies will explore how these cells respond to the compound within the human body.
Hops and Cancer Prevention
This isn’t the first time that hops have demonstrated potential anti-cancer properties. Over 20 years ago, a study in Japan found that another compound in hops, known as humulon, reduced inflammation and inhibited tumor growth. This demonstrates that hops may indeed have the capacity to lower a person’s risk of breast cancer.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should start consuming excessive amounts of beer to reap the health benefits of hops. In fact, taking a daily hops extract supplement is a better alternative that not only can assist in warding off cancer and easing hot flashes, but also provides additional benefits like reducing nervousness, promoting better sleep, and relieving joint inflammation. Hops extract supplements are available in capsule and liquid forms.
The Importance of Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer prevention should be a top priority for women to ensure their long-term health. By incorporating hops extract supplements into your daily routine, you may benefit from the powerful potential of hops in reducing your likelihood of developing breast cancer. While future research is needed to fully understand the way 6-PN interacts with breast cells within the body, the positive results from research studies so far undoubtedly make hops a promising component of any breast cancer prevention plan.
