Hop bioactive compounds in prevention of nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases.

Nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases (NR-NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes both negatively impact the quality of life of many individuals and generate a substantial burden on society, demonstrating a need for intervention. Phytochemicals are investigated as a potential approach for combating NR-NCDs, and those found in hops have gained increased attention in recent decades. Hops, the strobile of the plant , are grown primarily for the brewing industry as they confer taste and increased shelf-life. The bitter acids represent the main compounds of interest for improving beer quality. Additionally, bitter acids as well as the prenylated chalcone xanthohumol, exhibit a wide range of health beneficial properties. This review summarizes those beneficial effects of bitter acids and xanthohumol on NR-NCDs, including inflammatory and immune diseases, obesity and metabolic disorders, as well as cancer prevention.