Hops, the female flower cones of the hop plant Humulus lupulus L., are primarily known for their role in brewing beer, where they contribute characteristic bitterness and flavor. However, emerging research suggests that specific hop extracts may offer potential benefits for weight management and reducing body fat. This article will delve into the science behind these claims, exploring the compounds in hops that may contribute to weight loss, and examining the available evidence from both animal and human studies.
The Bitter Truth: How Hops Impact Body Fat
Obesity is a growing global concern, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders like insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Therapeutic approaches often focus on suppressing energy intake and increasing energy expenditure.
Hops contain various compounds, including iso-alpha-acids and matured hop bitter acids (MHBA). Iso-alpha-acids, formed from alpha-acids during beer brewing, have shown promise in preventing obesity in mice and humans. However, their intense bitterness limits their use in foods beyond beer. During hop storage, alpha- and beta-acids decrease, while other bittering components, known as matured hop bitter acids (MHBA), accumulate. MHBA primarily consist of alpha-acid oxides, possessing a similar structure to alpha-, beta-, and iso-alpha-acids.
Interestingly, the oxidation products of alpha-acids may offer a more palatable bitterness compared to iso-alpha-acids. MHBA has also demonstrated the ability to ameliorate diet-induced body fat accumulation in rodents by enhancing thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT). BAT is crucial for cold- and diet-induced adaptive thermogenesis. While initially thought to be negligible in adult humans, recent studies have revealed the presence of metabolically active BAT, inversely related to body fat content.
Matured Hop Extract (MHE) and its Effects on Body Fat Reduction
Given the potential of MHBA, researchers have investigated the effects of matured hop extract (MHE) on body fat reduction in humans. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on healthy subjects with a BMI of 25 or more and less than 30 kg/m2. Participants were divided into two groups: one ingested a daily test beverage containing MHE (with 35 mg MHBA), while the other received a placebo beverage.
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After a 12-week ingestion period, the active group showed a significant reduction in visceral fat area (VFA) after 8 and 12 weeks, and in total fat area (TFA) after 12 weeks, compared to the placebo group. There was also a concomitant decrease in body fat ratio in the active group. These findings suggest that MHE may indeed contribute to body fat reduction in humans.
The Interplay Between MHE and Physical Activity
Further analysis explored the relationship between MHE ingestion and physical activity, using data from the aforementioned study. The subjects were stratified into subgroups based on their average daily steps: walking less (WL) and walking more (WM).
A significant negative correlation was found between the change in VFA and daily steps taken in the active group, suggesting that the effect of MHE ingestion on VFA reduction depends on the amount of physical activity. While the interaction effect in TFA was not significant, the main effect of ingestion was significant.
These results suggest that combining MHE ingestion with increased physical activity may enhance body fat reduction.
Amarasate®: A Proprietary Hops Extract for Weight Management
A proprietary extract of hops known as Amarasate® has emerged as a potential weight-loss aid. Studies have explored its effects on appetite, caloric intake, and hormonal responses.
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One study involved healthy men who participated in a 24-hour water-only fast. Participants received either different concentrations of Amarasate® hops flower extract or a placebo. The results showed that both the high-dose and low-dose treatment groups experienced a reduction in hunger during the fast. Additionally, the expected lunchtime increase in hunger in the placebo group was absent in both treatment groups.
Another study tested the effect of Amarasate® on caloric intake, appetite, and hormonal responses in healthy men. The treatment groups experienced an increase in plasma concentrations of appetite-suppressing hormones.
A recent study involving healthy adult women adhering to a water-only fast for 24 hours also found that participants in both treatment groups experienced less hunger and fewer food cravings.
These studies suggest that Amarasate® hops extract may act as an appetite suppressant and potentially play a role in suppressing food cravings.
Hops and Menopause: A Potential Link to Weight Management
Menopause is often accompanied by weight gain and elevated triglycerides, even without changes in diet and exercise habits. Hops has a long history of use in herbal medicine as a sedative and possesses oestrogenic properties, which may alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings, and insomnia.
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A study on mice showed that hops extract protected against increased body fat and raised liver triglycerides, likely due to its oestrogenic and antioxidant properties. While further human trials are needed, these findings suggest that hops may offer potential benefits for weight loss in menopausal women.
Practical Considerations: Incorporating Hops into Your Routine
While research suggests potential benefits, it is important to note that more studies are needed to fully understand the effects of hops on weight loss. It is also crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating hops extract supplements into your routine.
If considering hops extract supplements, it is important to choose reputable brands and follow recommended dosages. Hops extract supplements have been used safely at doses of up to 300 mg per day for up to 3 months.
Hops can also be consumed as a tea. To make hops tea, place the hops in a cup of boiling water and steep for about 10 minutes.
The Science Behind the Bitterness: Taste Receptors and Gut Hormones
The mechanism through which hops may influence weight management involves bitter taste receptors in the gut. When bitter compounds like isohumulones bind to these receptors, they trigger the release of hormones called incretins. These hormones are associated with feeling full and tell the pancreas to increase insulin secretion, decreasing blood glucose levels after eating.
This process is a known therapeutic target for metabolic disorders, and researchers are exploring the potential of combining hops extracts with other treatments to further augment incretin levels.