BEER AND HEALTH: Who sniffs 90 years hops becomes old!We are all aware that hops enrich beer with a variety of aromas and flavors, and we enjoy them as often as possible. But hops can do even more. It was not without reason medicinal plant of the year 2007. A short outline of what else is in the umbel and on the subject of beer and health
Even if the ancient medicine did not make use of hops, it was used in the Arab world of the 12th century. and 13. century known. The sleep-inducing effect of hops was recognized here. Hildegard von Bingen, who describes hops for their preservative effect in beverages, also wrote that they produce "melancholy.
A pinch for better sleep (Photo: NAK)
Sleep-inducing effect: bitter hops, sweet dreams
The sleep-promoting effect was only discovered at the end of the 18th century. Rediscovered at the beginning of the twentieth century. Christof Wilhem Hufeland (1762-1836), an important physician of his time, used hops as a bittering agent for digestion and as a nerve agent for sedation. Another physician named Clarus expands the catalog of uses for hops in 1864 for treating loss of appetite for stomach problems.
The Native American peoples of North America used hops for many applications: against toothache and for relaxation; against cough and cold symptoms and also for wound healing.
Research into the medicinal plant hops
Since the 20. In the nineteenth century, hops were often combined with valerian as a herbal remedy. For almost 20 years, the ingredients of hops have been studied in medical research and some ancient uses and their modes of action can now be explained. Several studies over the last 15 years have demonstrated the calming. Proving the sleep-promoting effect of hops. Various bitter acids and hop oil components are held responsible for this.
Antibiotic effect of hops: Not only in beer do hops have a preservative effect, the antibiotic properties of hops stem from the bitter acids and act against the growth of pathogenic bacteria also in a health context (z. B. bacteria that cause tuberculosis, food poisoning or even neurodermatitis). – Very closely in this context can be Anti-inflammatory effect of hops are seen. Thus, the isohumulones are mentioned in connection with a preventive effect in Alzheimer's disease. The anti-inflammatory effect of bitter acids can potentially lead to many different applications. Currently there are already drugs with isohumulones used for the treatment of rheumatism.
Japanese scientists have recently begun to look at the positive effects of hops in reducing obesity, and here too the bitter acids seem to have a positive effect.
If you look closely, you can almost see all the good stuff in the hops. (Photo: NAK)
Xanthohumol – a very special substance
As radical scavengers, humulones have a further positive significance in connection with cardiovascular diseases and aging in general.
A very specific constituent of hops, xanthohumol, has excited researchers in recent years. Xanthohumol showed positive effects in arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, in diabetes and also for cancer prevention. However, the amounts of xanthohumol in hops are very low and enrichment is not easy. Bioavailability also seems to stand in the way of some therapeutic applications. The extent to which effective medicines are thus created here is as yet unclear.
Preparation is rather difficult
The group of polyphenols of hops, like the polyphenols of other foods, has the same nutritional benefits. They have been in the focus of a healthy diet for several years, especially because of their antioxidant effect. Two structures found in hops, quercetin and camphorol were also shown to be effective in relieving allergic reaction in a Japanese study.
And then hops also contain a potent phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnarengenin. It is used in a drug to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Hops belong therefore quite rightly to the medicinal plants. How the hops have to be prepared to be most effective for all the different applications still needs to be researched.
Half a medicine, please. (Photo: NAK)
And how do hops affect beer and health?
A few effects also come through in beer, who has not been sleepy after a few hoppy beers. Since the alcohol in beer is medically disturbing, non-alcoholic hoppy beer is actually an extremely healthy drink, besides the many vitamins of the B-group contained in beer, the hops can show here all its good sides.
For those who would like more information, the following book is recommended:
Christina's world revolves almost exclusively around hops and beer. After studying brewing and beverage technology at TUM-Weihenstephan, she followed up with a doctorate on non-volatile flavors in beers. Since 2005 it has been with Joh. Barth und Sohn employs and manages the Technical Consulting and Research Department. She is also responsible for the Hops Academy, which has been in existence since 2011 and offers hop seminars for brewers and hop enthusiasts worldwide. Christina has written numerous articles and book chapters on the subject of hops.
Last articles
Craft Beer Events
Unfortunately no appointments at present. Nina Anika Klotz is an author. Beer Sommelier. As a freelance journalist, she has u.a. written for Zeit Online, Merian, Spiegel Online, Capital, FAZ, Business Punk – preferably about beer. Good beer! In fall 2013, she launched Germany's leading beer magazine online with Hopfenhelden.
We do not want to get on your nerves, but. Hop Heroes uses cookies in order to continuously improve. By your visit you agree. More info OKMore info
Beer is older than you might think. Even before the ancient Egyptians, people have something similar to beer.