 By Elena Voropay Japanese researchers discovered that drinking beer could protect against colon cancer--at least in rats. Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the study assessed the ability of beer or its components to prevent a type of chemically-induced colon cancer. Exciting news for some, the longer beer was consumed, the better were the results. The rats that consumed the beer or a malt extract for two weeks lessened the amount of DNA damage that occurred. After five weeks, the formation of early pre-cancerous lesions were reduced. In a 42-week follow-up study, beer intake was associated with a tumor reduction rate of 22 percent and a significant drop in the number of cancers.
Before you start binge-drinking every day, read this: The beer that inhibited the cancer-causing lesions was freeze-dried and contained dark-roasted malts, which proved to be more effective than pilsner malts. Consumption of hops and ethanol (alcohol) had no protective benefits whatsoever. It has not yet been determined if beer is beneficial for human health, but the study noted that eating certain components found in the beverage may be the key. So, for now, stick to your fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink alcoholic beverages only in moderation. Results of Recent Studies on Beer and Health Water, grains, hops and yeast. That's all beer is — simple and natural. While it is perfectly legal to consume beer (if born before this date in 1982 in most states), we are not here to persuade you to do so. But medical evidence is mounting that moderate consumption — one to two beers daily — does a body good. - The New England Journal of Medicine reported on a 12-year study of 38,077 male health professionals that found those who had at least four drinks a week experienced almost one-third fewer heart attacks than nondrinkers, while those who had a drink once or twice a week had only a 16 percent lower risk.
- Similar studies in Israel and the Czech Republic reached the same conclusions: Moderate alcohol intake raises folate levels while decreasing cholesterol levels, increasing antioxidants and reducing levels of fibrinogen, all of which are related to healthy hearts.
- Researchers at Oregon State University are looking into the estrogenic properties of hops for hormone replacement therapy for post-menopausal women. They say it is the strongest estrogenic phytochemical ever discovered, far more potent than soy and one day may replace the currently used hormone replacement therapy drugs.
- Oregon State researchers also have isolated flavonoids unique to hops that have inhibited cancer cell growth in the test tube.
- Japanese researchers reported that tests using 27 beers from around the world showed "potent inhibitory effect" against suspected carcinogens created by cooking certain foods.
- A 14-year study conducted by researchers at Emory University found that, among elderly men and women with an average age of 74, those who had at least 1.5 drinks daily had a 20 percent to 50 percent better chance of avoiding heart failure.
- A study by Dutch researchers in 2000 had a group of men drink beer, wine and gin for three months, switching beverages every three weeks. Beer drinking increased vitamin B6 by 30 percent. B6 prevents the buildup of homocysteine, a chemical linked to heart disease.
- An Indiana University study of 4,000 male twins found that the moderate drinkers in the study group scored higher on mental skills tests than nondrinkers or heavy drinkers.
- A researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School reported in 2001 that moderate intake of alcohol, and beer in particular, lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researcher found that beer is better than other alcohol because it has more nutrients, including protein, B vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, cadmium and iron.
- Two beers a day provides 14 percent of dietary calories, 11 percent of dietary protein, 12 percent of dietary carbohydrates, 9 percent of dietary phosphorus, 7 percent of dietary riboflavin and five percent of dietary niacin. A pint of beer also contains between 10 percent and 30 percent of the recommended intake of soluble fiber.
- Beer drinkers are protected from the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which are known to cause stomach cancers.
- A study among 70,000 nurses aged 25-42 found that beer drinkers had lower hypertension than wine or whiskey drinkers.
- A study of post-menopausal women conducted by a researcher with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center found that a drink a day lowered bad cholesterol levels and raised good levels.
- A study in the Netherlands found less risk of Alzheimer's disease among beer drinkers.
- Hops contain phytoestrogens, which help prevent bone loss. Studies continue on the ability of beer to reduce osteoporosis.
- Beer has proven especially helpful to the elderly. It helps with blood vessel dilation, sleep and urination.
- Several studies, including a joint U.S.-Finnish study published in 1999, have found that moderate beer consumption decreases the risk of developing gallstones and kidney stones.
— The (Appleton, Wis.) Post-Crescent |
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