Beer drinkers rejoice

Studies strongly suggest that a compound found only in hops and the main product they're used in -- beer -- is effective in preventing many types of cancer. And the darker the brew the higher the concentration of the active ingredient, Fred Stevens, professor of medicinal chemistry and researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University, said Tuesday.

The flavonoid compound Xanthohumol is toxic to prostate, breast, colon and ovarian cancer cells. The potential applications for this micronutrient in cancer prevention and treatment is enormous, experts said.

But don't go hoisting another pint or two just yet, Stevens said. "I don't recommend that. Moderate beer consumption lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease but that has nothing to do with flavonoids," Stevens said. Studies using rats and test-tube cultures show that Xanthohumol stops tumour growth at an early age, and has other anti-cancer properties.

"But we used a pure compound in cell cultures," Stevens said. "To go to humans is a big jump." For one thing, it's not clear how much flavonoid can be absorbed from drinking beer. It's not known what remains of the compound after it passes through the human gut. But in the lab, even microscopic amounts can inhibit enzymes that can activate cancer growth as well as help the body detoxify carcinogens.

Moderate alcohol consumption, including beer, has health benefits, said Charles Couillard, a Laval University professor of food science and a researcher at the Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods. "We saw a decrease in cardiovascular disease in people drinking red wine," Couillard said of the "French paradox" which launched several studies. "But what was reducing the mortality, the alcohol, or maybe some component in the grape including flavonoids?"

Well, it's both, Couillard said.

Alcohol increased good cholesterol, HDL, but the flavonoids improved blood vessel function.
Flavonoids also neutralize free radicals, which "can attack lipids, proteins and DNA" and are implicated in many diseases, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular conditions, cancer and even early aging, he said.

For an alcohol-free dose of flavonoids, go for a piece of dark chocolate (a good source), Couillard recommended. Don't forget to include five to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, as most are also high in flavonoids, he added.

© The Edmonton Journal 2005