Can Beer Lower The Risk of Breast Cancer?

Can drinking beer lower the risk of cancer of the prostate? Drinking beer may not sound like a formula for good health, but one particular component in beer is showing promise for reducing the risk of cancer of the prostate – a disease that’s all too common among older men. Almost 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in 2009 and with men living longer lives the trend shows no sign of letting up.

Hops to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk?

According to research presented at a recent cancer conference, hops used to make beer could be important for reducing prostate cancer risk. Hops are flower clusters that come from the humulus plant which is a member of the hemp family of plants. They’re used as a flavoring agent for beer and as a stabilizer in beer making. Hops have been used down through the ages as medicinal agents to reduce anxiety and help with insomnia.

What is about hops that could reduce the risk of prostate cancer? Hop flowers contain a compound called xanthohumol which is a flavanoid similar to compounds found in many fruits and vegetables. According to this latest research, xanthohumol can block the effects of the male hormone testosterone on prostate cancer cells. This keeps the prostate cancer cell from making the genes that would allow the cancer cells to grow and spread – providing a natural way to reduce prostate cancer risk without harmful drugs or medications.

More Than Just Cancer of the Prostate

Not only does the xanthohumol found in hops have the potential to lower the risk of prostate cancer, researchers believe it could also reduce breast cancer risk in a similar manner – by binding to the receptors on breast cancer cells and blocking the effects of estrogen which stimulates the growth of certain types of breast cancer.

Beer to Reduce Prostate Cancer Risk?

Unfortunately for beer lovers the maximum benefits for reducing prostate cancer risk would be from consuming purified xanthohumol rather than from drinking beer itself. Chances are you’d have to drink so much beer to get the prostate cancer benefits that you’d end up developing other health problems. The interesting question is whether other flavonoids found in vegetables and spices have a similar effect. Some studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce prostate cancer risk, but the results have been inconsistent.

The Bottom Line?

It may be too soon to whip out a six pack to reduce the risk of prostate cancer – especially since this study was done in rats; but don’t be surprised if you hear more about this potential prostate cancer fighter. In the meantime, get your flavonoids from fruits and vegetables and keep your ears open for more research.