Surprisingly, beer could be regarded as a health food due to its hop content, which is a source of antioxidants, including the flavonoid xanthohumol. These antioxidants can lower cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and body weight. Drinking beer in moderation or taking xanthohumol supplements can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and even contribute to weight loss.
Xanthohumol and its Health Benefits
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that mice consuming higher levels of xanthohumol had significantly lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, insulin, and inflammation. According to Cristobal Miranda, a research assistant professor with OSU’s Linus Pauling Institute, this is the first instance of a single compound holding the potential to address multiple health problems.
However, to experience xanthohumol’s benefits from beer alone would require an excessive and unsafe amount of consumption. It is thus safer to consider taking xanthohumol supplements instead. Researchers estimate that one would need to take 350 mg of xanthohumol per day to enjoy health benefits comparable to their study’s results.
That said, beer still offers health benefits due to its other antioxidant content, which combats free radicals in the body, slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of chronic disease.
Enjoying Healthier Beer
When looking to enjoy beer that offers more health benefits, consider the following suggestions:
1. Choose organic beer: Opting for beer made with hops free from toxic pesticide exposure positively impacts your health and reduces your toxic load.
2. Go for microbrews: Microbrews tend to contain more hops, translating to a higher antioxidant content. Dark brews, rather than “light” varieties, also provide more antioxidants.
3. Be mindful of calorie and carb intake: Beer is notorious for being high in calories and carbs, so it is crucial to monitor your consumption. If you have had an indulgent day, it is best to save your beer for another day. Analyze beer labels, as some are lower in calories and carbs than others.
4. Practice moderation: Overconsumption of beer is detrimental to your body, so always remember that drinking more than one or two beers a day can do more harm than good.
In conclusion, while one must exercise caution with beer consumption, it can offer notable health benefits due to its xanthohumol and other antioxidant content. Choosing organic, dark, and hop-heavy varieties will maximize these benefits while practicing moderation ensures you can enjoy a cold brew as part of a healthy lifestyle.
