A new scientific study shows that drinking low doses of alcohol can help your brain clear away toxins linked to serious diseases, like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It seems that “everything in moderation” rule works: at least when it comes to booze. If you like to unwind with a glass of Cabernet and a good book after work, you might be, inadvertently, improving your brain’s health. How’s that for serendipity?
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester’s Center for Translational Neuromedicine recently revealed the results of their study that brings new findings about the way alcohol impacts our brains. However, unlike most other studies that have been highlighting the adverse effects of drinking, the paper published in the journal Scientific Reports has shown that low doses of alcohol can, in fact, have a beneficial impact on brain health. Their findings indicate that consuming alcohol in small amounts can potentially help your brain remove waste that’s been linked to neurodegenerative diseases.
Although there have been other studies that have noticed the link between low-level alcohol consumption and lower risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s, this is the first time scientists might have an answer as to why this happens. But, even though the fact that a daily glass of wine could stimulate our brain to clear out waste and toxins is astonishing, it shouldn’t be an excuse for overindulging in alcohol.
The same can be achieved through other, though less enjoyable, methods such as exercise and proper rest, so don’t be too quick to pop the cork. No doctor or medical organization can, in clear conscience, recommend daily drinking, even if we’re talking about low doses of alcohol, because the potential for serious health issues outweigh the benefits.
This study does indicate that having a glass of alcohol per day (or two, for males) can be good for your brain’s health, but it’s only been conducted on mice. While it can be a science-backed excuse for an occasional guilty pleasure, this shouldn’t encourage you to start drinking. Instead, consider jogging or joining a gym: it might not feel as good in the beginning, but the pay off will be much greater in the end.
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