Bioactivity of beer and its influence on human metabolism

Abstract

Extracted total phenols, flavanols and flavonoids were measured in beer samples and their quality as antioxidants was measured by two modified antioxidant methods: the 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) radical cation (ABTS * +) and the beta-carotene-linoleate model system (beta-carotene). It was found that the antioxidant potential of beer was well correlated with flavanols and flavonoids and was slightly lower with total polyphenols (R2 values from 0.8203 to 0.9393). Forty-two male non drinkers, hypercholesterolaemic volunteers ages 43-71 after coronary bypass surgery, were randomly divided into experimental (EG) and control (CG) groups, each of 21 participants. The antiatherosclerotic diet of the EG group was supplemented for 30 consecutive days with 330 ml beer per day. Could short-term beer consumption affect not only the risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis, but also the markers of this process: plasma albumin and its antioxidant activity? For this goal, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, plasma albumin and fibrinogen, and the antioxidant activity were determined. After the trial a significant improvement in the plasma lipid levels, and an increase in the plasma antioxidant and anticoagulant activities in patients of the EG group was registered. A parallel increase in the plasma albumin concentration and its antioxidant activity was observed. In conclusion, short-term beer consumption on the basis of the bioactivity of the beverage positively affects plasma lipid levels, plasma antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. The increase in the plasma albumin concentration and its antioxidant activity could be the markers of atherosclerosis status.

A diet rich in Maillard reaction products protects LDL against copper induced oxidation ex vivo, a human intervention trial

“…It was recently demonstrated that the daily consumption of 330 mL of beer led to a significant increase in the plasma antioxidant activity in men after bypass surgery (Gorinstein et al, 2007). Furthermore, significant inhibition of LDL oxidation was observed previously after the daily consumption of coffee from 24 g powder for 1 week.…”

“…For example, the caffeine metabolites 1-methyl uric acid, 1-methylxanthine, and, to a lower extent, also caffeic acid are able to delay LDL oxidation in vitro, whereas caffeine itself and other metabolites were not active (Gomez-Ruiz, Leake, & Ames, 2007;Lee, 2000). It has also been speculated that the LDL protective effect after the consumption of beer, coffee, and chocolate is related to their content of phenols (Gorinstein et al, 2007;Hirano et al, 2000;Mathur et al, 2002;Natella et al, 2007;Osakabe et al, 2001;Vinson et al, 2006;Wan et al, 2001). However, due to the low bioavailability and the fast metabolism of phenols resulting in very low plasma levels, this assumption has been doubted.…”

Effect of full-scale brewing process on polyphenols in Italian all-malt and maize adjunct lager beers

“…Bourne et al (2000) observed that ferulic acid (belong to nonflavonoid group) in beer is readily assimilated by the body. Gorinstein et al (2007) found that the antioxidant potential of beer was well correlated to flavanols and flavonoids but slightly lower referred to total polyphenols, and that beer polyphenols improve lipid metabolism and increase antioxidant and anticoagulant activities. Gorjanovic et al (2010) pointed out a correlation between antioxidant activity of commercial beers and their total phenolic content; that antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds is dependent on their molecular structure.…”

Wine, Beer, Alcohol and Polyphenols on Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer

“…Similarly, the compounds found in beer have different biological activities demonstrated in enzymatic assays or cell cultures such as antioxidant [22], anticarcinogenic [23,24,25], anti-inflammatory [26], estrogenic [27] and even antiviral properties [28]. Different profiles of in vitro biological activity have been described for these compounds which, combined together, could have a synergistic effect.…”