Scientists are always investigating the health benefits of wine, but no one ever seems to give us good news about beer. But the latest booze research gives us a legit excuse to order another pint … and feel slightly less guilty about all that drinking we did in college.In a new study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers tested the effects of a compound in hops, called xanthohumol, on brain cells. Xanthohumol has been on scientists’ radars for its potential antioxidant qualities, cardiovascular benefits and even anticancer properties. After putting it to the test in this particular study, researchers found that this compound could potentially slow down the development of certain brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its ability to help protect brain cells.Obviously a keg a day isn’t the way to keep your brain cells healthy (alcohol does hurt them, too, remember), but next time you need a good excuse to kick back with a brew, just think about how you’re (maybe) doing your brain a favor.
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