New study claims beer can actually help you lose weight

Finally, some positive beer-related news.

Researchers at Oregon State University have concluded that xanthohumol, an elusive substance found in wheat and hops, has been proven to lower cholesterol levels in rats and mice. While it will likely take significant time before human trials can get underway, the results look promising. Forty-eight male mice were fed a high-fat diet and split into two groups: One group was administered (60 milligrams a day for 12 weeks) while the other went xanthohumol-free. Cristobal Miranda, the lead author of the study and Fred Stevens, a professor in the OSU College of Pharmacy, told Broadly that unfortunately a 10-stone human would need to drink 3,500 pints of beer in the space of 24 hours... However, the majority of the mice cut harmful cholesterol levels by 80 per cent and insulin levels by 42 per cent. So maybe just have one pint... and see what happens. Enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend and drink responsibly, folks. For more information, check out drinkaware.ie.