Beer chemical may help your brain: research

Scientists have found that one of the compounds found in beer can help protect brain cells from the kind of damage linked to certain neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

According to IFLScience, rat neurons were exposed to the flavonoid Xanthohumol, found in hops and beer.

They were then damaged by oxidative stress.

Not only did the chemical scavenge the reactive molecules, it also made the cells upregulate protective genes to shield them from oxidative stress.

While more research is required, a brain isn't a petri dish, the researchers think it might be a candidate for fighting neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

One should also further caution that this doesn't mean it is a good idea to down a keg - there is still alcohol in that beverage.