Beer May Prevent Prostate Cancer

PORTLAND, Ore. (1010 WINS) -- Researchers at Oregon State University say an ingredient in beer appears to help prevent prostate cancer, at least in lab experiments.

But there's a catch. You'd theoretically have to drink about 17 beers a day for any potential benefit. And no one's advising that.

The scientists say a compound (xanthohumol) found in hops inhibits a protein in the cells along the surface of the prostate gland. The protein acts like a switch that turns on a variety cancers, including prostate cancer.

Doctor Richard Atkins of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition calls the experiments encouraging. He says ``perhaps men could take it in pill form someday.''

Atkins notes an ingredient in tomatoes, lycopene, has previously been linked to prostate cancer prevention. But he says food is not a full preventive for prostate cancer.

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