Czech scientists say they have created a new non-alcoholic
beer that contains 10 times the normal amount of phyto-
estrogen, intended to help women suffering from menopause.
The beer, developed by the Czech Republic's Research
Institute for Brewing and Malting, is intended to relieve
menopausal symptoms and maintain bone density by tackling
a lack of the oestrogen hormone in many Czech women.
The development marks a sizeable breakthrough in the realm
of functional beer, at a time when functional foods are
becoming more popular in many markets. Oestrogen levels
drop significantly in women at the onset of the menopause
and remain low from then on. Studies have linked a lack of
the hormone to increased risk of various health problems,
including heart disease and osteoporosis.
Czechs drink an average 161 liters of beer each every year,
compared to 121 in Germany and around 84 in the US. So it
was the natural beverage choice to spike with hormones.
It's so stupidly obvious it's brilliant! The only thing I
don't understand is why make it non-alcoholic? If you're
having violent mood swings and hot flashes anyway, you
might as well enjoy the buzz.
The marketing is also going to be very important on this
one. They'll need a name that really puts the right spin
on the product. I was thinking either "Menokugel" or maybe
"Old Menpausee".
The marketing practically writes itself. "When you're
having a hot flash, grab for the cool, refreshing taste
of Old Menpausee Beer."
