Don't forget: Ingredient in beer can sharpen your memory, says new study. But...

Beer-lovers rejoice! Researchers have found that a key ingredient in beer may actually improve memory. But before you go binging this Oktoberfest, you might want to know about one catch.

According to a study published in Behavioral Brain Research, hops can help improve cognitive function. Hops are derived from the flower of the hop plant and are among the basic ingredients needed to brew beer. It gives beer its bitterness to counter the malt sweetness to create the balanced flavor of the brew. It is also a preservative.

Xanthohumol, a flavonoid which helps slow down the degradation process of memory in animals and humans, is only found in hops and was the focus of a study on how it can help boost brain power.