Hop

Hop or Húmulus is a genus of plant assigned to the Konoplev family. The researchers discovered and then described the characteristic features and traits of the two main hop species. The hops got their original name thanks to the ancient Germanic language, in the literal translation from which the word hummeln means "char. "

The following types of hops are distinguished:



common hops or Humulus lupulus are native to temperate countries;

climbing Japanese hops or Humulus japonicus are found in Japan, China, the Far East, Kunashir Island and Sakhalin.



The distinctive properties of hops are used in cooking, the food industry in medicine, as well as in brewing and other production industries. The properties of hops make it possible to find a wide application of natural raw materials derived from the plant. Hops are most commonly used in the food industry. Hop cones are actively used in brewing, as well as pharmacology.

The stems of the plant are suitable for making paper, as well as yarns for making bags and ropes. The unique properties, as well as the benefits of hops for the human body, are primarily due to the vitamin-mineral composition of the product. The hops contain essential oils, as well as phenol carboxylic acids, as well as catechins and other biologically active compounds of natural origin.

Hop composition

The distinctive chemical composition of hops gives plants outstanding properties that have been known to mankind since ancient times. The chemical composition of hops depends on the type of plant. For example, young shoots of common hops contain large amounts of ascorbic acid. The benefits of hops are also due to the chemical composition of the plant. It is also noteworthy that in various industries all the components of the plant use common hops.

Benefits of hops

In medicine, the benefits of common hops are used, the inflorescences of which are considered medicinal raw materials, which have been used for several centuries for a series. Bitterness, as well as the essential oil and polyphenols found in common hops, are thought to have a positive effect on the human body. Extract from common hop inflorescences is used in pharmacology for production of medicinal products.

In cooking, they use young hop shoots, which are made with vitamin salads, and also add the product to the first courses and sauces. For centuries, hops have been used in baking for the production of bread and bakery products. Hops are used not only in brewing, but also for the production of honey wines and honey wort. The unique benefit of hops is that the stems and leaves of the plant are able to adsorb heavy metals.

The harm of hops

However, in addition to the benefits, there is a clear harm of hops to the human body, which may occur as a result of improper consumption of this food. Since the composition of the plant contains some unsafe compounds for the human body before eating hops, it is better to consult a doctor beforehand.

In case of non-compliance with dosages or medical prescriptions, harm from hops can result in the occurrence and development of serious diseases caused by toxic poisoning with substances contained in the plant.