Hops are flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) used to make beer. The mature inflorescences called Hops Strobiles have been dried and used in brewing. In Germany, the world’s number one beer consumer, the only ingredients used to make beer must be barley, hops, yeast, and water. Hops impart a bitter taste to beer and help balance the sweetness of malt, and also contains naturally occurring chemicals that help control bacterial growth. Not only that, but it has also been used since the Middle Ages to produce medicine. Today, herbalists and nutritionists also say hops in the diet has many health benefits and even prevent some serious illnesses.
1. The active ingredient in Hops
- Hops contain healthy compounds including xanthohumol flavonoids, 8-prenylnaringenin, and humulene and lupulone essential oils. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and analgesic properties.
- Hops also contain significant amounts of plant estrogen. It has been observed in female hops who are less prone to menstrual cycle problems.
- In addition, the resins in lupulin and humulin hops are involved in normalizing bacterial growth and contributing to the use of hops in the fermentation process used to brew beer.
2. Top 4 Hops benefits
2.1 Hops benefits: Treatment of insomnia
✅ Some scientific evidence shows that hops have the effect of improving sleep quality, treating sleep-related diseases such as insomnia. In recent years, scientists have confirmed that humulene and lupolene found in hops have mild sedative properties. These compounds are thought to be applicable in medicine. Hops combined with valerian and sunflowers can be an effective alternative to prescription sleeping pills. A 2013 study compared Ambien (zolpidem) sleeping pills with the herbal combination of hops, valerian, and sunflowers, and both were found to be equally effective.
2.2 Hops benefits: Soothe symptoms of menopause
✅ In hops contains chemicals with estrogen-like activity. The flavonoid 8-prenylnaringenin found in hops is classified as a phytoestrogen-based compound that can mimic the activity of female estrogen. Some people believe that 8-prenylnaringenin can help increase estrogen activity in the body to help alleviate some of the symptoms of hormonal changes that often occur due to menopause such as hot flashes. A study of over 100 postmenopausal women found that using vaginal lubricants containing hops, the main ingredient, relieves vaginal dryness, relieves pain during intercourse, and vaginitis. In particular, hops extract has no side effects of traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT), such as flatulence, leg cramps, indigestion, and headache.
2.3 Hops benefits: Prevent cardiovascular disease
✅ Xanthohumol in hops enhances heart health. It has strong antiplatelet activity, so it plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. This means it can help relax blood vessels and improve blood circulation. A 2010 study from Japan showed that rats fed xanthohumol hops had a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This good cholesterol has the ability to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is often called atherosclerosis. This is a buildup of plaque inside an artery that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
2.4 Hops benefits: Preventing cancer
✅ Scientists at the University of Oregon, USA, identified the xanthohumol compound in hops to help prevent some cancers. This is because xanthohumol is cytotoxic, meaning it directly “poisons” and destroys cancer cells (and, presumably other cells around it). In another mechanism, it produces apoptosis. For those who do not know: “Apoptosis” is a programmed mechanism of the cell. When certain stimulation is applied to a cell, its gene creates a device that destroys itself and the cell dies. Hops work on cells that cause colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
3. Notes when using Hops
- Additional hops are thought to be safe and have minimal side effects. Some people may feel tired. However, using herbs right before bedtime will help minimize the effects of this symptom.
- Hops can cause drowsiness when combined with anesthetics and other drugs during and after surgery. You should stop using hops at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
- Pregnant and lactating women should consult a physician before use.
- Using hops with alcohol and sedatives can cause drowsiness.
Recommended for you
🎁 Nature’s Way Premium Herbal Hops Flowers, 620 mg per serving
✅ Nature’s Way is the preeminent brand of quality dietary supplements with over 1,000 product offerings. They have been at the forefront of the herbal health industry. An early leader in educating consumers and retailers on the effectiveness and safety of herbal supplements, they have always supported legislative efforts that help protect health freedoms, and are constantly striving to promote better health through the power of nature. Nature’s way – hops flowers have been used traditionally for nervous disorders. Directions: Take 2 capsules daily with food or water.
🎁 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Hops Liquid Extract for Calming Nervous System Support
✅ Get calming support for the nervous system with Hops liquid extract from Herb Pharm. We prepare our Hops Extract from the dried, lupulin-rich strobile (female flower) of Humulus lupulus vines which have been Certified Organically Grown. To assure optimal extraction of Hops’ bioactive compounds, the strobile is hand-harvested only when fully matured, is carefully shade-dried to retain its full color and aroma, and is then thoroughly extracted. Directions: Shake well before using. Two to five times per day take 30 to 40 drops in a little water. If you are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your health care practitioner prior to using this product. Keep out of reach of children.
🎁 Organic Hops Tea
✅ Buddha Teas is the leading organic tea company for single herb teas. All teas are certified organic and they only use bleach-free tea bags. Directions: Freshwater is essential for brewing a great cup of tea. Use one teabag per cup of boiling water. Cover and steep for 3-6 minutes. Savor the taste of Buddha Teas while enjoying the benefits Hops Tea provides.
Leave a Reply