Drinking Too Much of This Kind of Beer Might Be Giving You Man Boobs
Tag your favorite IPA lover before he turns into a Fat Bastard.
Each time you crack open a cold one, do you feel that all is right in the world, if at least for just a moment? Yeah, I don’t blame you. Beer is a magical elixir that was probably sent down from heaven on the back of a Pegasus, intended for us to enjoy and reap its many, many health benefits.
But sadly, every rose has its thorn, and there’s one very unfortunate side effect that comes with all the glory of your favorite golden elixir…and no, it’s not the classic beer belly. That’s a separate issue, and it’s one we can all deal with. A little chub never hurt anyone.
For many dudes, the problem in question here is much worse than a bloated gut — it’s man boobs. Moobies. Mannary glands, if you will. Apparently, India pale ales, or IPAs, can make you grow man boobs, thanks to the copious amounts of hops they’re brewed with. I’m sorry. I really am.
Hops contain phytoestrogens, which are compounds that naturally occur in plants, and as the name suggests, mimic estrogen. That’s why women take hops as a supplement to help with menstrual disorders and acne.
But while phytoestrogens can help ladies with their womanly issues, herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner says they can seriously mess with men’s bodies, and contribute to the unfortunate development of moobs, as well as something called “brewers droop,” which is simply what people call whiskey dick in the beer world.
“[From] long-term exposure to the estrogenic properties of hops, [they] eventually have difficulty sustaining erection,” Buhner writes in his book, Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers.
But here’s the thing — phytoestrogens are weak AF, so you’d need to knock back those pints like crazy in order to grow puffy lady tits worth talking about.
However, if you’re worried your chest isn’t as flat as it used to be, simply eat a little better and work out more, and your moobs will go back to where they came from.
When you exercise and lift weights, your testosterone levels spike, canceling out the estrogen-like effects of the beer, meaning your body will stay nice and manly.
Long story short, if your chest is getting a little puffy, just hit the gym, and then go crack open a cold one.
H/T: Independent