Hops, the component of beer that gives it its bitter flavour, contain flavanoids, which belong to phyto-oestrogens. Phyto-oestrogens are biologically active substances of a vegetable origin that imitate the action of the female hormone oestrogen. Many kinds of favourable effects are attributed to phyto-oestrogens. Thus a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens protects against heart and circulatory diseases and cancer, and a high intake of these substances moderates menopausal complaints in older women.
These effects have been scientifically studied on a wide basis. Breast cancer occurs significantly less frequently in women with a diet rich in phyto-oestrogens (1) and the risk of cervical cancer is lower in women whose diet contains a lot of fibre and soya (2). Soya is rich in phyto-oestrogens. In population groups where a lot of soya is eaten, fewer men have prostate cancer (3).
The best known source of phyto-oestrogens is soya but hops are also rich in phyto-oestrogens. As hops are an important component in beer, the question arises as to whether beer drinkers also benefit from the favourable effects of phyto-oestrogens on health. Scientists are ready for a new challenge here. Studies are underway to examine whether beer reduces the risk of certain cancers as a result of the phyto-oestrogens.

References
(1)Case-control study of phyto-oestrogens and breast cancer. Ingram D. et al. Lancet 1997;350:990-994.
(2)Association of soy and fiber consumption with the risk of endometrial cancer. Goodman MT et al. Am. J. Epidemiol. 1997;146:294-306.
(3)Phyto-oestrogens and prostate cancer: possible preventive role. Stephens FO et al; Med. J. Aust. 1997;167:138-140.

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