Are hops amazingly healthy for you, or what?!
Are hops amazingly healthy for you, or what?
a friend told me he toured a brewery in high school, it was revealed to him and his fellow students that the brewery staff working around the hops (Humulus lupulus) never ever became ill or had a day off due to sickness.
I have a theory that it has something to do with the alpha acids, am i correct?
Alpha acids have a mild antibiotic/bacteriostatic effect against Gram-positive bacteria, and favour the exclusive activity of brewing yeast in the fermentation of beer.
Answers:
There are a good deal of studies/evidence that both alcohol and hops have health benefits. The wine industry did a good job distorting early evidence regarding the health benefits of drinking red wines due to the high levels of flavonoids. Research since that point indicates the benefits are not limited to wine and that beer may indeed be more beneficial. Beer gets flavonoids from the grains (dark is better) and the hops.
There is evidence regarding flavonoid's affect on preventing heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, relieving anxiety, easing digestion, lessening pain, among other benefits. Hops have long been used in beer for the antibacterial benefits and used to stuff pillows as it supposedly has calming effects. Hops also has appetite stimulating properties.
Sounds pretty much like a wonder drug to me.
Coincidentally, hops closest biological relative is cannabis. (just putting it out there)
The folks in the brewery were so healthy because they drank beer everyday. Make no mistake about it.
Hops, my bum!
there are many reputed benefits of hops. Read up on them and knock back a few beers :-)
I live NEXT to a Hop Kiln, and a Hop Yard - I breathe the pollen daily during the season. Healthy - well, maybe but it sure is STINKY!!
A friend of mine owned an herb shop ... she sold hops pillows .... pretty, like sachets, to tuck under your pillow at night .... they were said to induce sleep ...
I am sure they are beneficial ...
Peace & Love