Beer may inhibit carcinogens

  NEW YORK, Jan 07 (Reuters Health) -- Japanese researchers have
  given beer drinkers something to cheer about as they hoist a pint.
  Beer, they say, may protect against certain carcinogens that are
  produced in food when it is cooked.

<snip>

 In their study, the researchers tested 24 different beers, including 17
  lagers, four stouts, two ales and one nonalcoholic beer from 11
  countries. All but the nonalcoholic beer and one lager showed ``potent
  inhibitory effect'' against mutagens found in several types of
  heterocyclic amines (HAs), according to study authors. The stouts
  were the most effective.

  Japanese sake, red and white wines, and brandy were also effective,
  but whiskey was not, nor was ethyl alcohol in the concentration found
  in beer.

<snip>

  Previous studies on beer consumption and cancer risk have been
  conflicting. Several studies have linked beer consumption to colon
  cancer and lung cancer. But another study cited by the authors
  suggested that moderate beer consumption may reduce the risk of
  endometrial cancer.

  SOURCE: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry January 1999.

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[log in to unmask] (Liza May)