Drinking Beer to Fight Cancer?

German researchers have recently discovered that hops, one of the main ingredients in beer, may possess a powerful anti-oxidant called xanthohumol. This substance possesses even more anti-oxidants than Vitamin E. Xanthohumol is able to disrupt enzymes called cytochromes P-4 that instigate the development of cancer.

However, the concentration of xanthohumol in a single regular beer is not strong enough to provide these cancer fighting effects. Fortunately, the German researchers developed a method to brew a special beer with a high-concentration of xanthohumol, reaching ten times the normal level. The beer will enter mass production later this year.

Hops (Humulus Lupulus) have been a popular herbal supplement over the years. It is well known for its sedating effects. It has also been used to calm coughs and nervous stomachs. The herb contains high level of vitamins C and B-complex, as well as a variety of minerials.

While further research is needed to determine the cancer fighting effects of consuming beer with high concentrations of xanthohumol, the benefits are surely casting a positive light on once questionable habit.