Hop antioxidants, found in brewing hops, may offer health benefits while shaping the taste and aroma of beer. Here's what you need to know:
- Key Compounds: Hops contain polyphenols like xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, which neutralise free radicals and protect cells. They also include essential oils and acids that contribute to beer's flavour and antioxidant properties.
- Non-Alcoholic Beer Benefits: Unlike alcoholic beer, non-alcoholic beer retains more antioxidants, which may reduce oxidative stress, improve brain health, and support metabolic and hormonal functions.
- Brewing Methods Matter: Techniques like cryogenic fermentation preserve these antioxidants, making them more absorbable and effective in non-alcoholic beers.
Hop antioxidants may help combat oxidative stress, protect your brain, and support overall wellbeing - all while enhancing the natural profile of non-alcoholic beer.
Little Known Health Benefits of Hops (Humulus lupulus)!
Main Antioxidant Types in Hops
Hops contain antioxidants that can be grouped into two main categories: polyphenols and other active compounds.
Hop Polyphenols
Key polyphenols in hops include xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, and the flavonoid 8‑prenylnaringenin. These compounds help neutralise free radicals and protect cells. However, their levels can vary depending on factors like growing conditions, harvest timing, processing methods, and storage. These variables directly impact their role in shaping the antioxidant profile of non‑alcoholic beer.
Other Active Compounds
Hops also contain alpha and beta acids, essential oils (such as myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene), and smaller quantities of flavonoids. These elements contribute not only to the bitterness and aroma of beer but also to its ability to combat oxidative damage.
Up next, we’ll explore how these compounds work to reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Fighting Oxidative Stress
Hop polyphenols, such as xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol, play a key role in neutralising reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. They achieve this by donating electrons, which helps prevent lipid peroxidation and DNA strand damage.
In traditional beer, ethanol can break down these polyphenols, reducing their effectiveness. However, non-alcoholic beer keeps these compounds intact, boosting the body's defences. It does this by activating Nrf2, which increases the production of protective enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Hop essential oils, particularly myrcene and humulene, work alongside these polyphenols to strengthen the antioxidant response.
Next, we’ll explore how brewing and formulation impact the absorption of hop antioxidants in non-alcoholic beer.
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Absorption in Non-Alcoholic Beer
The way hop antioxidants are absorbed in non-alcoholic beer offers distinct benefits due to specialised brewing methods and carefully crafted formulations.
Factors Affecting Absorption
IMPOSSIBREW® employs cryogenic fermentation to protect hop-derived polyphenols by minimising exposure to heat and oxidation. This process ensures these polyphenols remain more soluble and stable in the final non-alcoholic product, improving their availability for absorption in the body.
Next, we’ll explore how these enhanced absorption characteristics contribute to potential neuroprotective and metabolic benefits.
Research-Backed Benefits
By improving absorption, hop antioxidants can provide noticeable health benefits.
Brain Health
Hop polyphenols can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger neuronal defence mechanisms, particularly by activating Nrf2 pathways to combat oxidative stress. These stable and soluble polyphenols, found in non-alcoholic beer, help lower neuroinflammation and improve synaptic plasticity. Beyond protecting the brain, hop compounds also influence hormonal and metabolic processes.
Hormonal and Metabolic Support
One key flavonoid, 8-prenylnaringenin, acts as a strong phytoestrogen, helping regulate hormone-related functions in the body. Another compound, xanthohumol, activates AMPK signalling, boosting lipid oxidation and glucose use, which supports better metabolic health.
Summary
Hop polyphenols and flavonoids help combat free radicals and stimulate the body's natural defence mechanisms. Using advanced brewing techniques to retain these beneficial compounds, IMPOSSIBREW®'s cryogenic-brewed Enhanced Lager and Enhanced Hazy Pale provide non-alcoholic beers designed to promote wellbeing.
