By Staff Writer - March, 11th 2014

Researchers have reported that the part of hops that isn't used for making beer contains healthful antioxidants and could be used to battle cavities and gum disease.

Natural Health News — Hop leaves that get discarded during beer brewing are packed with antioxidant polyphenols that could protect against dental disease, according to Japanese researchers.

In a new study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Yoichi Shibusawa from Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences and his colleagues say that their previous research suggested that the antioxidant proanthocyanidins in hop (Humulus lupulus) leaves, known as bracts, can help fight dental gum disease and dental caries.

The bract extract stopped the bacteria responsible for these dental conditions from sticking to surfaces and prevented the release of some bacterial toxins, suggesting “a possibility for the bene?cial and industrial use of the hop bracts that are unutilised from beer brewing.”

In their latest research they’ve identified more substances in the bract extract that could be responsible for these healthful effects.

Going to waste?

Every year the EU, which is responsible for 50% of world …

Hop is best known as the bitter, aromatic ingredient in beer. It also has a long history in herbal healing and some of its traditional uses have been supported by modern science. Chinese physicians have prescribed hop for centuries as a digestive aid and treatment for leprosy, tuberculosis, and dysentery.

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