Not Just for Beer - Health Benefits of Hops

When you think of hops, you will almost certainly associate the word with beer. Hops have been used in the beer brewing industry for centuries. They were first discovered way back in the 11th century and have since become a staple in the beer-making business. What fewer people are aware of is that hops have also long been used for their health benefits and you do not need to slug down on beer to get their medicinal goodness. Hops contain a variety of essential oils as well as various minerals and vitamins that give them their therapeutic benefits.

The essential oils found in hops are myrcene, caryophyllene, farnesene and humulene. The oils have several potent therapeutic properties including anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions.

The vitamins found in hops include vitamins C, E, and B6. These nutrients have powerful antioxidant properties which can help protect the body from disease, boost the immune system and slow down the body’s aging process.
Hops also contain a type of flavonoid compound called xanthohumol which is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-tumor and anti-clotting properties.

Health benefits of hops:

• For stress and anxiety

Anybody that enjoys a glass or two of rich, hoppy beer will be familiar with the way that the tension seems to ease from your body. While alcohol may well have something to do with this, hops themselves may also play a part. Hops have been traditionally used for their sedative abilities and may help to ease feelings of anxiety and stress.

• Improves quality of sleep

There is a growing body of scientific evidence that hops could help people improve their quality of sleep and even help treat sleep conditions like insomnia. Hops have traditionally been used to help with sleep issues and several studies have analyzed its effectiveness as a sleep aid. Several studies have found that hops were effective in promoting sleep in combination with another herb – valerian.

• For menopause

Studies have found that hops have chemicals that act like estrogen. These chemicals may help relieve some of the symptoms of hormonal changes which occur because of menopause, including hot flashes.

• For hair

It certainly sounds a little odd but washing your hair with hop extract or beer can help add shine to your locks and reduce dandruff. According to proponents, the antioxidants found in hops can help strengthen the scalp and hair and reduce the amount of hair loss.

• For heart health

Another potential benefit of the xanthohumol found in hops is the effect it may have on heart health. A study found that it possessed powerful antiplatelet activity. The researchers concluded it may have a role to play in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

• Aids in Digestion

Drinking hops tea stimulates your body to produce more stomach acids. This acid helps break down the food you ate and enables your stomach to digest and burn the food easily – and it doesn’t stop there. Drinking hops tea regularly is also good in treating bladder and urinary tract infections, thanks to its antibacterial properties.