Although many people drink beer these days, it is now believed that this type of drink which also contains hops may be better for you than other types of alcohol. Why, you may ask?

Hops are small hoppy flowers that are used to create a unique taste and a lot of zest and savor. These flowers are also antibacterial and come in a variety of shapes, colors and flavors. They look like small cones and were first used in drinks as early as in the 9th century.

Hops that are part of the hoppy brewing process may be able to decrease the damage that alcohol causes to the liver. In a study with mice, researchers gave small test amounts of beer which included hops to a set of mice and it was found that these mice had less of a fat built-up in their liver. The mice that were given the potion without hops had higher fat accumulation levels in their system, as well as other mice that were given ethanol.

What the data shows is that hops help reduce the effects of liver damage from alcohol. This study was published online in the Journal of Alcohol and Alcoholism on September 22nd, 2016 by the Friedrich Schiller University Jena researchers in Germany.

Drink moderately and make sure you have a designated driver to help you get home safe and sound. You can get out there and comfortably enjoy a hoppy beer now and then, and remember it may even be good for you!

 Photo by ulleo (Pixabay)