Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

n2doc

(47,953 posts)
Wed Jan 30, 2013, 01:49 PM Jan 2013

Scientists figure out what makes beer good for you


The configuration of a humulone molecule is superimposed on a hops vine and a glass of beer.

Our understanding of how hops becomes the molecules that give beer its flavor and the shape those molecules take has been wrong for 40 years, say scientists from the University of Washington.

Using a century-old technique, they've nailed down the precise structure of those molecules for the first time, overturning the long-standing assumptions. And, while beer brewers the world over are unlikely to change their recipes, the scientists hope to use the discovery to create new medicines.

"Now that we have the right results, what happens to the bitter hops in the beer-brewing process makes a lot more sense," Werner Kaminsky, a UW research associate professor of chemistry, said in a press release.

And, because beer and its bittering acids – in moderation (the school emphasizes) – have beneficial effects on diabetes, some forms of cancer, inflammation and perhaps even weight loss, knowing exactly what they become in beer means they can be used to make new pharmaceuticals.


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/national/article/Scientists-nail-down-what-makes-beer-good-for-you-4232757.php
16 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Scientists figure out what makes beer good for you (Original Post) n2doc Jan 2013 OP
Happy days are here again!!!!! *tilts glass* clarice Jan 2013 #1
Just finished a cup of coffee coldbeer Jan 2013 #12
I'll drink to that. dipsydoodle Jan 2013 #2
I've got to get busy... corkhead Jan 2013 #3
Cool...and foamy ... DreamGypsy Jan 2013 #4
heading to fridge....... dhill926 Jan 2013 #5
Note that they want to take something old, useful, and enjoyable bigbrother05 Jan 2013 #6
Beer and a bong will cure what ails ya. alfredo Feb 2013 #16
or as we Germans call it: alterfurz Jan 2013 #7
And hops is related to cannabis. tridim Jan 2013 #8
Explains a lot in my case malokvale77 Jan 2013 #9
hops can be grafted onto cannabis root stock Mosby Jan 2013 #13
Weight loss? Well that explains it... AmyDeLune Jan 2013 #10
"Good for you" Flying Squirrel Jan 2013 #11
My last beer was a Stout on July 21 2012 Rain Mcloud Feb 2013 #14
I swing between DIPA's and Stouts. Middle of the road holds no interest. alfredo Feb 2013 #15

bigbrother05

(5,995 posts)
6. Note that they want to take something old, useful, and enjoyable
Wed Jan 30, 2013, 02:36 PM
Jan 2013

and make it part of the drug/medical industry. Wouldn't be right for you doctor to suggest that a glass or two of beer could help you when some pills could be marketed and regulated for big pharma profits.

tridim

(45,358 posts)
8. And hops is related to cannabis.
Wed Jan 30, 2013, 03:13 PM
Jan 2013

Hmmm...

The genus Cannabis was formerly placed in the Nettle (Urticaceae) or Mulberry (Moraceae) family, but is now considered along with hops (Humulus sp.) to belong to the Hemp family (Cannabaceae).[Schultes, R. E., A. Hofmann, and C. Rätsch. 2001. The nectar of delight. In: Plants of the Gods 2nd ed., Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont, pp. 92-101]

Also, The active principle in hops is a fine, yellow resinous powder called "lupulin" which is classified as a narcotic because it will dull the senses in moderate doses and cause stupor or coma in larger amounts. From lupulin come two lupulic acids - humulone and lupulone. One of these, "humulone", has the following chemical formula: C21H30O5. "Cannabinol", the active principle of marijuana, has the chemical formula.of C21H26O2.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Are_hops_related_to_cannabis

AmyDeLune

(1,846 posts)
10. Weight loss? Well that explains it...
Wed Jan 30, 2013, 11:38 PM
Jan 2013

I once had beer and veggie pizza for dinner three nights in a row and *lost* weight! Not the result I was expecting.

 

Flying Squirrel

(3,041 posts)
11. "Good for you"
Thu Jan 31, 2013, 02:28 AM
Jan 2013

Somewhat misleading... all edible foods and drinks are good for people, in moderation. Yay for those who can still drink alcohol, but let's remember that it can lead to intoxication - the root word of which is "toxic". Ok, I know this is falling on deaf ears, there was a time when I would laud this post and head to the fridge myself. Drink up, be merry! For tomorrow we die........ (possibly a physical death, or perhaps just a spiritual one.)

 

Rain Mcloud

(812 posts)
14. My last beer was a Stout on July 21 2012
Fri Feb 1, 2013, 01:12 AM
Feb 2013

I think it high time to hit the imported store this weekend.
Cheers!

alfredo

(60,065 posts)
15. I swing between DIPA's and Stouts. Middle of the road holds no interest.
Fri Feb 1, 2013, 07:08 PM
Feb 2013

Bell's Hopslam is in season. If you want the plaque burned off your teeth, this beer is for you. It's a wonderful beer. Buy a single to try it out, but be careful, it is 10% alcohol.

Keith is a good lefty

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Science»Scientists figure out wha...