In our on-going (albeit sporadic) efforts to highlight advances in nutrition and health, we try to bring you the very latest and most important such discoveries. So I was pleased to read that:
Of course, the temptation is to stop right there, but alas, there's bad news, as well:
"(R)esearchers say don't rush out to stock the refrigerator because the ingredient is present in such small amounts that a person would have to drink more than 17 beers to benefit."
[ed: I thought you said there was bad news]
According to researchers, the hops in beer contains something called "xanthohumol," which affects a particular protein in the prostate. This protein is believed to be a "trigger" for prostate cancer, which (according to the CDC) is the most common form of cancer among men in the US. It's also one of the leading causes of death among men, as well.
The researchers are hopeful that big pharma will now look into synthesizing or reproducing the compound, providing an alternative treatment regimen.
I do have one question, however: how do I sign up to help with this research (the beer drinking part)?
UPDATE: And for what is beer the natural accompaniment?
Apparently, tomatoes contain a naturally occuring antioxidant called "lycopene." The idea is that, in addition to giving the 'maters their beautiful red color, it may provide protection against certain cancers.
Of course, the jury's still out on all this, but I'm picturing the new food pyramid.
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