Hop Bitter Acids Activate the Brain-Gut Axis: Vagal Stimulus via Food Ingredients

Abstract

Maintenance and improvement of cognitive function and mood is important in an aging society. Preventive approaches, including diets used in daily life have received increasing attention in recent times. Clinical trials and preclinical studies have shown that hop bitter acids, which represent the bitter ingredients in beer, activate the bitter taste receptors and the brain-gut axis, which was shown to improve cognitive function and mood. Vagal stimulus via food ingredients may be a novel approach to maintain brain functions.