Hops (Humulus lupulus) are a type of dried flower with a bitter, somewhat grassy taste. Although hops are most commonly known as an ingredient in beer and malts, they've been a part of traditional medicine since before the 1500s because of their health properties (1).
Here are 5 impressive health benefits of hops
May Help You Lose Weight
Recently, scientists have found that hops may help with weight loss. A study in 30 adults found that taking a bitter hops-based supplement twice daily for three weeks significantly curbed hunger feelings compared to a placebo supplement (2).
Researchers believe the hops supplement helped people feel fuller for longer by encouraging the body to make hormones that curb appetite, such as GLP-1, CCK, and PYY (2).
Other studies have shown that hops can help reduce body fat, especially around the belly (3, 4, 5).
Summary: Hops may help curb your appetite and reduce belly fat.
May Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Menopause affects most women in their late 40s or early 50s, bringing hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, insomnia, mood changes, thinning skin, hair loss, and libido changes (6).
Studies suggest hops may alleviate many menopause symptoms due to phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen in the body (7, 8, 9, 10).
Summary: Phytoestrogens in hops may help ease menopause symptoms.
May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Narrow, stiff arteries can impair blood flow to the heart (12).
Some studies found hops can relax blood vessels, improving blood flow; in animal models, hops also reduced arterial plaque (13, 14, 15).
Summary: Hops may help relax blood vessels and improve cardiovascular health.
May Help with Anxiety and Depression
Animal studies show hops reduced signs of anxiety and depression, likely due to compounds like humulones and lupulones (16, 17).
A four-week trial in 36 adults found daily hops supplementation significantly lowered depression, anxiety, and stress compared to placebo (18).
Summary: Hops supplements may reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
May Help Reduce Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can raise risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers (19, 20).
Hops are rich in polyphenols that combat inflammation (5, 21, 22). In animal models, hops lowered markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB (23, 24).
Summary: Polyphenols in hops may help reduce chronic inflammation.
