BLACK HILLS PIONEER BEER & WINE GUIDE | HEALTH
Can beer boost brain power? T here is newfound reason to indulge in a pint or two of your favorite beer, and it’s not just to catch up and share a few laughs with friends. New research has shown that a chemical compound in beer may be able to improve cognitive function. The beverage once thought to obliterate brain cells when consumed in abundance may actually have the opposite effect and boost brain power.
No one should run out and start imbibing just yet, however. The study that ran in Behavioral Brain Research in October 2014 was preliminary and only conducted on lab mice. During the study, scientists discovered that xanthohumol, a type of flavonoid found in beer, seemed to improve brain function in the young mice given xanthohumol doses. The cognitive flexibility of the mice was tested with a specially designed maze, and younger mice showed signs of intellectual improvement. Older mice showed no improvements. Researchers believe xanthohumol and other flavonoids, such as those found in red wine, blueberries and dark chocolate, may play a role in helping a person form memories. The mice were given very high doses of the flavonoid. A person would have to drink roughly 2,000 liters of beer a day to equal what the mice consumed to show improvement. However, should a supplement hit the market down the road, it may just be possible for men and women to consume a potentially beneficial amount of
xanthohumol without bellying up at the bar. One of the goals of the xanthohumol study was to examine its potential efficacy at treating agerelated deficits in memory. Xanthohumol also may benefit those with metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with obesity and high blood pressure, as it can speed metabolism and reduce fatty acids in the liver. Flavonoids are plant compounds that often provide plants with their color. Scientists have attributed many health benefits to flavonoids in foods and plants and have even suggested flavonoids can help in the fight against cancer and heart disease. Xanthohumol is rare and is most often found in the hops commonly used to make beer. While doctors and researchers do not suggest running out and consuming a few six packs right now in the goal of improving brain function and cramming for that next test, xanthohumol may one day be harvested from beer hops to slow down age-related memory deficits.
Support Your Local Brewery Are you a craft beer fanatic looking for a way to make a positive impact on the future of your favorite beer-maker? Look no further than Support Your Local Brewery (SYLB), a national, grassroots partnership of professional trade associations, brewers and beer enthusiasts dedicated to promoting and protecting the legislative and regulatory interests of America’s craft brewers. The group keeps a watchful eye on critical aspects affecting the health and vibrancy of the craft brewing industry. These can take the form of national legislation, new state bills or the launch of game-changing tools for the local craft brewer.
WHY SUPPORT?
• Craft brewers currently provide an estimated 110,273 jobs in the U.S., including serving staff in brewpubs. • Growth of the craft brewing industry in 2013 was 18 percent by volume and 20 percent by dollar shares. • Retail dollar value from craft brewers in 2013 was estimated at $14.3 billion, up from $11.9 billion in 2012.
• Craft breweries have averaged 10.9 percent growth over the last decade. • 2,768 craft breweries operated for some or all of 2013, comprised of 1,237 brewpubs, 1,412 microbreweries and 119 regional craft breweries. —craftbeer.com
JOIN THE SYLB NETWORK
As a SYLB beer activist, you will receive an action alert when national or state legislative or regulatory issues threaten the future of breweries. You can then use this knowledge to educate others, lobby your local representatives or join the movement for change. Other than the occasional national issue, your action alerts will be custom to your state. You will be notified of the initial alert, provided with updates on the effort and the outcome of the legislation when available. You can sign up to receive email alerts by clicking on the green box at www.craftbeer.com/ breweries.
BLACK HILLS PIONEER BEER & WINE GUIDE | HEALTH
Wine and Anti-Aging R
ed wine is as delicious as it is powerful in its impact on aging. A recent study found that a compound in the skin of grapes could be an antidote to aging by slowing down the process and even staving off disease.
This study supports the decade-old one that discovered resveratrol – found in red wine – has strong anti-aging effects. Resveratrol has been linked to protection against obesity, diabetes and bad cholesterol, and has been found to improve vascular function by preventing blood clotting and plaque formation in arteries.
HOW IT WORKS
The recent study conducted by Harvard Medical School shows that resveratrol stimulates production of a serum that blocks diseases by speeding up the cell’s energy production centers known as mitochondria. Researchers identify resveratrol as a naturally occurring antioxidant that is found in grapes and cocoa.
HEART HEALTH Protecting your heart is obviously a main objective as you age. Moderate consumption of red wine on a regular basis may be a preventative against coronary heart disease, according to some scientists.
© FOTOLIA / AP
Succulent Seafood Flown in Fresh! Florida Crab Cakes Caribbean Snapper Caribbean Grouper Florida Lobster-Tail
Served with Grapefruit & Mango Salad, and Conch Chowder. Our Grand Finale features Florida Key Lime Pie.
The Bay Leaf will also be offering select Beers & Wines to compliment your dinner at reduced prices. Be sure to ask your server about pairing your drink with the seafood! Reservations Required by Noon January 26th
Call 642-5462 or e-mail info@bayleafcafe.net * Menu may vary depending on availability.
126 W. Hudson • Spearfish 642-5462
Red wine reduces production of harmful cholesterol while boosting high-density cholesterol.
DISEASE CONTROL
Through various studies, resveratrol has been shown to protect against a slew of diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to prevent harmful cellular damage that is often the root of many debilitating diseases.
MODERATION IS KEY
No, adding more wine to your diet doesn’t necessarily mean fewer wrinkles. The opposite is true, according to some experts. Excessive amounts of wine can make you look older and feel more sluggish. Instead, enjoy one glass of red wine per day. According to some researchers and physicians, it is the single most important action you can take to slow down aging.