There’s no evidence that IPAs are giving you man boobs. A provocatively titled article claiming the exact opposite made the rounds on social media a few days ago, but there is no evidence to back up this claim. Here are the facts.
As with any plant, hops contain a wide variety of chemical compounds. One of these compounds — 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) — is a phytoestrogen. A phytoestrogen is a plant compound (hence the prefix “phyto”) that binds to estrogen receptors. Specifically, 8-PN has been shown to bind tightly to estrogen receptors in rat uterus. Hops also contain isoxanthohumol, which can be converted to 8-PN in the intestines [ . . . ]
Continue Reading at: IPAs Are Not Giving You Man Boobs
We’re all familiar with the idea of “beer bellies,” but your love of a cold one with the lads could be affecting your body in another way. India pale ales (IPAs), it turns out, can contribute to a man developing “man boobs” – or gynaecomastia, as they’re officially known. Half of men get moobs and they’re down to hormones as much as diet and lifestyle, and this is where IPAs come in. [ . . . ]