Biological Properties of Beer and Its Components Compared to Wine

Increasing evidence supports the health benefi ts of moderate consumption of alcohol as part of a healthy lifestyle. Numerous studies suggest that moderate drinking of beer is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, cancer and osteoporosis. Recent researches in bioactive principles revealed many notable properties of hop compounds. Scientifi c evidence has accumulated over the last years pointing to the potential anticancer activities of selected hop-derived beer constituents. A generalized radical scavenging activity was described for most beer polyphenolic components, and a protection against DNA oxidative damage was reported. In this chapter, we will discuss the potential chemopreventive role and helpful effects on health of beer and its constituents compared to wine.