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According to researchers, hops – a compound present in beer – would prevent the formation of amyloid plaques, the cause of Alzheimer’s disease.
Beer – this alcoholic drink resulting from the fermentation of barley and hops – would have many therapeutic benefits: it would act on sleep, the heart, the bones… and even on Alzheimer’s disease. This is at least what emerges from a new study, published in the scientific journal ACS Chemical Neuroscience.
Hops have strong antioxidant power
Several studies had already shown that the consumption of hops improved cognitive function, attention and mood in the elderly. Italian scientists therefore tried to find out more.
To do this, they looked at four varieties of hops: Cascade, Saaz, Tettnang and Summit.
They then compared the metabolic profiles of these varieties and analyzed extracts by NMR spectroscopy (a technique that exploits the magnetic properties of certain atomic nuclei).
Result: the substances extracted from hop flowers had a strong antioxidant power that could block the agglutination of beta-amyloid proteins, involved in Alzheimer’s disease.
Tettnang hops more effective in prevention?
Tettnang hops seemed to be the most effective variety (this hop is used for lager type beers and lighter beers).
“It was found to be the most effective extract as no aggregates were visible after treatment with this sample“say the researchers.
Eventually, these discoveries could pave the way for new therapeutic uses of hops.
In the meantime, beer remains an alcoholic beverage that should be consumed in moderation.