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It’s Time to Give Some Healthy Props to Hops

Hops is actually a healthy botanical “cousin” to Cannabis. 

Yet despite no other plant being as closely related to Cannabis as Hops, Cannabis has been the illegal black sheep of the family, while Hops has been the darling of the two as a key ingredient in beer brewing.

by Greg Montoya

The benefits of Hops are numerous. Here’s a few examples:

1) Helps Protect The Brain – Hops is rich in flavonoids, Xanthohumol (XN) being one of the most abundant. Increasing XN can dramatically help with neuroinflammation and can help slow down aging of the brain. It can also help with neuroinflammation due to its binding to GABA-A receptors and stabilization of calcium levels in the brain.

2) Helps Reduce Anxiety – Separately of GABA activity, XN can calm anxiety by inhibiting glutamic acid decarboxylase. For example, a 4 week clinical study using Hops supplementation showed a reduction in depression, anxiety and stress symptoms.

3) Helps Reduce Insomnia – Hops can help with insomnia by enhancing circadian rhythms. By stimulating melatonin receptors, Hops can help reduce body temperature, helping improve sleep.

4) Helps Reduce Obesity – XN can inhibit adipogenesis (increase fat cell death) and as a result can be helpful in preventing obesity. For example, in animal models being fed a high-fat diet with hop extract, XN showed a reduction in weight gain. XN has also shown to curb overeating, as well as reducing the accumulation of white fat.

5) Improves Mitochondrial Function – By reducing oxidative stress on the mitochondria, XN can stimulate mitochondrial function and metabolism.

6) Helps Control Diabetes – XN enhances the metabolism of glucose and uptake of glucose into cells. For example, in obese mice XN supplementation in high doses could reduce weight and increase glucose metabolism. By acting on the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), XN can even help prevent diabetes.

7) Enhances The Vascular System – Higher HDL cholesterol levels are associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis. By inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and enhancing apolipoprotein E (ApoE) activity, XN may be able to increase HDL levels. For example, in Western-type diet-fed ApoE-deficient mice, XN was able to reduce plaque formation.

8) Protects The Gut – Hops can help to protects the gut. Tetrahydro iso-Alpha Acids (THIAA, which is found in Hops) can even help prevent leaky gut by increasing zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and occludin, two key tight junctions proteins.

9) Supports The Liver – Hops may help protect the liver from developing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Hops can protect the liver from oxidative stress and oxygen-deprived damage. XN inhibits the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver. It also produces some of its benefits on cholesterol synthesis in the liver by its ability to bind to the liver X receptor. This can also reduce liver scarring in animal models of Type 1 diabetes. 

10) Improves Kidney Function – Flavonols in Hops may help with gout, as they can reduce uric acid levels. 

11) Enhances The Skin – By reducing inflammation, Hops can improve:

  • Acne
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Melanoma
  • Skin Aging
  • Skin Infections
  • Skin Structure (collagens, elastin, and fibrillins)
  • Sun Protection 
  • Wound Healing

12) Hyaluronic acid – (HA, found in Hops) promotes collagen synthesis, repairs/hydrates tissues, and helps prevents wrinkle formation.

13) Has Antimicrobial Properties – Hops has anti-microbial activity which can help prevent food poisoning.

14) Acts On The Immune System – Hops has immunosuppressive effects and may help with arthritis.

15) Protects Bones – Hops may help prevent bone disease including osteoporosis.

16) Effects Sex Organs and Hormones – XN can reduce growth of tissue in endometriosis. Hops can inhibit aromatase, an enzyme that converts androstenedione and estrone to estrogen. XN inhibits bone resorption (osteoclastogenesis) and collagen loss.

17) Helps With Thyroid Health – XN can stimulate the uptake of iodide in thyroid cells. XN can also reduce T4 levels.

NEWYOU Hops Beer CBD

Today, these two wonder plants are proving they have a lot more to offer than their noteworthy contributions to a buzz. And, although Hops like Cannabis contains CBD (Cannabinoid), a well-known non-psychoactive compound that naturally occurs in that plant and may offer some relief from:

  • Inflammation
  • Pain
  • Anxiety
  • Seizures
  • Sleep problems
  • And many other health issues

Additionally, there are other terpenes and phytonutrients in Hops that are equally as therapeutic in supporting the Endocannabinoid System.

Here are just a few of the ADDITIONAL Cannabis ingredients used in NEWYOU CBD products…

XANTHOHUMOL – An Antioxidant Powerhouse!

When it comes to antioxidant properties, it appears grapes don’t hold a candle to Hops thanks to a powerful prenylated flavonoid called xanthohumol. This amazing phytonutrient is said to be 200 times stronger than the highly regarded antioxidant resveratrol found in red wine. 

Impressive for sure, but not many people realize Hops’ polyphenol activity is also higher than that of green tea according to some reports. Beyond being a powerful antioxidant, recent research on xanthohumol at Oregon State University shows it can “lower cholesterol, blood sugar and help prevent weight gain.” 

Also, noteworthy research suggests xanthohumol has strong cancer fighting and HIV inhibiting properties, as well as neuroprotective benefits.

HUMULENE – Does a Body Good

When people think of Cannabis, they think of getting the “munchies”. It’s true that certain phytocannabinoids (THC and CBG) act as appetite stimulants. However, there are terpenes in Hops like Humulene that can actually suppress appetite. 

Numerous studies have shown that Humulene significantly reduces hunger, which could make it appealing for those looking to lose a few pounds. Humulene also contains strong anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial in reducing systemic inflammation as noted in a 2007 study published in the European Journal of Pharmacology. This particular research found Humulene to be as effective as a popular steroidal anti-inflammatory called dexamethasone. 

Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years, Humulene has a proven record of health benefits for a wide variety of issues.

8-PRENYLNARINGENIN (8-PN) – A Woman’s Best Friend

Another prenylated flavonoid found in Hops, 8-PN may offer a natural solution for women who are going through symptoms associated with menopause like hot flashes, low libido, moodiness and insomnia resulting from a decline in estrogen levels. 

It’s one of the most potent phytoestrogens found to date, 50 times more potent than genistein in soy, and research indicates it helps women with relief from many menopausal symptoms. 

Research on this incredible flavonoid shows it also has strong anti-diabetic potential and may play an important role in protecting against osteoporosis and certain cancers.

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE – A Cannabinoid by Another Name

Beta-Caryophyllene, derived from Hops, is getting a lot of attention lately because of research showing its powerful benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial compound and much, much more. 

Simply google the benefits of Beta-Caryophyllene and you’ll see dozens of potential benefits that range from longevity to cardiovascular health. It’s a terpene, but researchers suggest it should be classified as a Cannabinoid because its properties are extremely similar. 

Beta-Caryophyllene has been shown to specifically bind to the CB2 receptor, one of the main Cannabinoid receptors in the body’s Endocannabinoid System.

CAUTION – There Are “BREWSKI” Limitations!

While it would be nice to “drink in” all the benefits of Hops in a 6-pack of your favorite beer, unfortunately many of these powerful compounds are lost during the brewing process… 

NEWYOU CB2 Plus Hops

However, the GOOD NEWS is you can find 50 mgs of pure Humulus (Hops) in NEWYOU’s CB2 Plus Canna-active Tincture, along with 500 mgs of full-spectrum Phytocannabinoids…

THAT’s Twice the Benefits in Just One Bottle!


REFERENCE:

Marijuana & Hops

Hops Humulus Lupulus