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How a Bitter Hops Extract May Help Curb Hunger and Cravings
We’re living in a time when mindful eating, appetite control, and sustainable weight management are more important than ever. While the market is flooded with quick fixes and artificial suppressants, researchers are uncovering something fascinating: the bitter compounds in hops—yes, the same plant used in brewing beer—may hold real potential for naturally reducing hunger and food cravings.
A new study published in Current Research in Food Science takes this idea a step further, showing how a gastrointestinal-targeted bitter hop extract can reduce appetite and food cravings in women during a 24-hour fast.
Let’s explore what this study discovered, how it works, and what it means for those looking to manage hunger without harsh chemicals or extreme diets.
The Study: Targeting Hunger at Its Source
Researchers designed a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving healthy female participants undergoing a 24-hour fast—a scenario that naturally triggers strong hunger signals and food cravings.
The participants were given either a GI-targeted bitter hop extract or a placebo. Throughout the fast, their hunger levels, feelings of fullness, and desire for specific foods were assessed at regular intervals.
What’s unique about this study is the delivery method: the hop extract was formulated to act specifically in the gastrointestinal tract, where many of the body’s hunger and satiety signals are initiated.
Key Findings: Less Hunger, Fewer Cravings
The results were eye-opening:
✅ Appetite Suppression: Women who received the hop extract reported significantly reduced hunger compared to those in the placebo group.
✅ Fewer Food Cravings: The same group also experienced a notable drop in cravings for specific types of foods—especially calorie-dense and highly palatable items.
✅ Targeted Impact: Because the extract acted directly in the gut, it bypassed the need for systemic effects or central nervous system stimulation, making it a gentler and more focused solution.
The Science Behind Bitter Hops Extract (MHE3): Why Bitter Works
Bitter compounds are known to activate specific receptors in the digestive tract known as TAS2Rs (bitter taste receptors). These receptors don’t just help us detect bitter flavors—they also send signals to the brain that influence hormones involved in hunger and satiety, such as ghrelin (the hunger hormone) and GLP-1 (a satiety hormone).
In simple terms: when these receptors are activated, your brain gets the message that you’re full—or at least not as hungry.
This study supports the idea that bitter hop compounds, particularly when delivered in a targeted way, may be able to modulate appetite at the gut level, which could help reduce the urge to overeat or snack impulsively.
Why This Matters: A Natural Tool for Appetite Management
For those navigating intermittent fasting, trying to lose weight, or simply seeking better control over hunger cues, this research opens up an exciting possibility: a plant-based, evidence-backed tool that works with the body—not against it.
Unlike stimulants or synthetic appetite suppressants that may come with side effects, bitter hops extract (MHE3) works through natural pathways. And because hops have a long history of human consumption, their safety profile is relatively well-established
Where to Find Hops Extract?
You’ve read the research. You’re intrigued by the power of bitter hops to curb appetite and support natural weight management. But where can you actually find a hops extract that reflects what the study used—one that’s potent, targeted, and safe?
That’s where pHix comes in.
pHix is a mature hops extract designed with clinical precision. It’s not just a generic supplement—it’s been developed to align with the same science-backed compounds studied in cutting-edge research, including xanthohumol, of which are known for their appetite-regulating and hormone-modulating effects.
What makes pHix different?
- ✅ Targeted for real-world use – Designed to work with your body’s own satiety signals, especially in the gut.
- ✅ Trusted by healthcare professionals – Used in clinics and recommended by doctors for women dealing with cravings, weight fluctuations, or menopausal appetite changes.
- ✅ Natural and non-stimulant – No caffeine, no synthetic hormones, no side effects—just botanical science doing its job.
Whether you're navigating intermittent fasting, managing midlife hormonal shifts, or simply aiming to feel more in control of your eating habits, pHix supplement offers a natural, research-driven option.
