Scientists at Friedrich Schiller University Jena (Germany) have studied female binge-drinking mice and found out that hoppy beers are better for the liver than beers without hops.
As we explained in our earlier article, one way to think about beer styles would be to divide beers into two broad categories: hoppy beers and malty beers. Apparently, hoppy beers are better for your liver—especially if you are a female binge-drinking mouse.
The study in question was recently published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism. Scientists made mice drink three types of alcohol: a regular beer with hops (Humulus lupulus), a special beer without hops, and pure alcohol (ethanol). After 12 hours, scientists analyzed hepatic fat accumulation (fat buildup in the liver) in different groups of mice.
Mice that drank either alcohol or hopless beer accumulated similar quantities of fat in their livers. Mice that were given hoppy beer accumulated significantly less fat. Researchers concluded that “hops in beer markedly attenuated acute alcohol-induced liver steatosis in female mice.”
Of course, it is important to remember that studies on mice only suggest that something similar may occur in humans. Further research into this matter is required to find out if hoppy beer is less damaging to the human liver as well.
Here at b33r.xyz we want to take this opportunity to volunteer as test subjects for any further research that involves drinking massive amounts of beer. Our only caveat is that we would like to be part of the group that drinks beer, as we are not huge fans of drinking pure ethanol or, God forbid, not drinking at all. Interested researchers may contact us via our Facebook page or on Twitter.
