What are Hops?
Hops are the flowers, commonly referred to as cones, of the hop plant Humulus lupulus and are most well recognised for their use in the brewing of beer. Hops are rich in a range of bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, bitter acids and essential oils such as humulene. Through these compounds, hops can provide various impressive health benefits that underpin the plants value as an ingredient in health supplements.
Health Benefits:
Relieves Symptoms of Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of ageing that brings many physical and emotional changes, often due to a reduction in oestrogen levels. Studies show that hops may be effective in relieving common symptoms associated with menopause such as poor sleep quality and hot flushes, indicating that this herb may naturally help to increase comfort during these often challenging years.
Supports Mood
Hops also has potential in supporting good mood by promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of stress. One study found that daily supplementation with hops led to notable reductions in symptoms of mild depression, anxiety and stress, indicating that supplements containing hops may be useful for treating mood disorders and boosting good mood.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Action
The polyphenol and flavonoid content of hops allows it to conduct potent antioxidant action, neutralising free radicals and combatting oxidative stress that damages cells. Antioxidant action is key to protecting long term health as oxidative stress has been regularly linked to aging and the development of neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the bitter acids within hops have anti-inflammatory abilities, and therefore may be beneficial for individuals with inflammatory conditions like dementia, arthritis, and metabolic issues.
History:
Hops have a long history of use within herbal remedies in Europe for alleviating sleep disturbances, calming nervous tension, and treating digestive complaints. They were also placed in pillows to encourage restful sleep. Between the 9th and 13th centuries, the use of hops in brewing became widespread and their value for both their flavour and preservative qualities became recognised.
Typical Use:
Hops are well known for their role in brewing beer, where they provide bitterness, flavour, and aroma. However, hops extracts are also widely used for their health benefits in capsule or powder form supplements formulated to relieve symptoms of menopause and reduce stress. Furthering this, hops are sometimes used in calming herbal infusions and teas, often combined with herbs such as chamomile.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388115000390
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868281/
