Beer Cures Cancer

OK not really. Researchers have found a substance in hops that is high in antioxidants.

"Xanthohumol has been shown to be a very active substance against cancer," says Dr Markus Herrmann, also of Munich. "It comes in small sticky beads, which you find within the hops."

Hops have always been known to possess medicinal properties and are used in herbal medicines as a muscle relaxant. Other compounds found in hops are potent phytoestrogens. Scientists say these compounds could ultimately help prevent post-menopausal hot flashes and osteoporosis.

Now scientists have discovered hops contain xanthohumol, a powerful antioxidant.

"It comes in small, sticky beads, which you find within the hops," says Herrmann.

Xanthohumol shuts down enzymes called cytochromes P-4; they can activate the cancer process. It also helps the body detoxify carcinogens, stopping tumour growth at an early stage.

Preliminary studies at Oregon State University show that xanthohumol can kill breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers, the newswire reported.

It appears that it would take about 60 regular beers to reach the level in the tests. I somehow doubt it would take that many Hop Devils. Hops have long been used for medicinal purposes. As have their close relative marijuana.