HAVING a pint down the pub could have some serious health benefits.
Ingredients found in beer could help fight cancer.
Specifically the beer hops – the flowers of hops plants which are used to give the booze its bitter flavour – are packed with anti-cancer properties.
They contain acids called humulones and lupulones which could be turned into new medicines which could fight cancers and inflammatory diseases.
Hops contain antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which could stop the growth of diseases.
Scientists at the University of Idaho are currently working on extracting the compounds and finding a way of creating them synthetically in the lab.
Dr Kristopher Waynant, who leads the project, said: "When researchers extract healthful chemicals from hops, they first have to determine whether they have separated out the specific compounds they're interested in.
"But if you can figure out how to make these compounds from scratch, you know they are the right ones."
It’s been a tricky process but Dr Kristopher and fellow researcher Lucas Sass are finally making some progress.
He added: ”Unfortunately, the first few pathways I proposed were not the best or most efficient.
"But Lucas has gone through the literature and analysed different ways to perform each of these steps to get the best results.
"It's been a lot of trial and error, but it's so exciting when an approach finally works."
Previous research has also found other ways that beer can boost your health.
The popular drink, which contains between 3% and 7% alcohol, can reduce the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s, promote healthier bones, prevent cataracts and even cure insomnia.
Better yet, a sexpert recently revealed that downing a pint or two can make you last longer in bed.
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