Beer flavonoid may boost brain power
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A compound found in hops— one of the basic ingredients of beer— is capable of improving memory and thought patterns in mice, reported Quartz.
In a new study from Oregon State University, researchers sought to found out if xanthohumol, a flavonoid found only in hops, could slow down palmitoylation— a natural process associated with memory degradation in animals and humans. A group of young and old mice were put on an eight-week diet of xanthohumol, a flavonoid found only in hops.
After going through a series of tests, the younger mice showed improvement in spatial memory and cognitive flexibility. The older mice did not show any changes.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}While hops are the only dietary source of the rare compound, it would require drinking 2,000 liters of beer— or 5,636 bottles of beer— for a person to get the same effect.
The findings suggest that xanothohumol could potentially be used to treat cognitive problems.