In an October 25th article for National Geographic, FST's Glen Fox adds his expertise to a discussion of the health benefits of hops, the plants that provide beer with its signature tastes and smells, and the compounds of which are under investigation for their health-promoting properties. 

When it comes to beer and health, “hops are the star of the show,” says Fox. Dozens of laboratory and animal studies and a few small ones in people make clear that hops compounds have an impressive array of antimicrobial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and blood-sugar regulating properties, leading experts to explore the plant’s potential for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, and even cancer. 

You can read the full article (paywall applies). “People who drink beer in moderation, can feel confident they’re doing their health a favor,” Fox says. “And I think non-alcoholic beer should be considered a health drink.”  The article discusses the history of beermaking, the specific polyphenol xanthohumol, and goes on to elaborate on the potential benefits and pitfalls of hops research.