Can champagne reduce the risk of dementia?

Written by Mohan Garikiparithi
Published on

Can champagne reduce the risk of dementia?You may have already heard the news; drinking three flutes of champagne a week can help prevent dementia. But is this another case of too good to be true?

Not entirely…

Although the findings do suggest that champagne may improve memory, it’s important to fully interpret the findings to determine how it relates to human beings.

For the original study, which came from the University of Reading and the University of East Anglia, the researchers conducted their research on rats. The rats were given what is the equivalent of 1.3 small glasses of champagne in humans. The researchers wanted to test if the antioxidants found in champagne could benefit memory.

There were three groups of rats, given either champagne, a non-champagne alcoholic drink or an alcohol-free drink. Researchers found that the rats in the champagne group had better memory recall when it came to finding their treats when compared to the other two groups.

Although the findings looked promising and made a case for the benefits of champagne, it is way too early to decide whether human consumption of champagne can improve memory or prevent dementia, especially when there are many known (mostly negative) consequences of alcohol consumption.

Champagne contains phenolic acid which is similar to flavonoids. Flavonoids have been found to have many benefits due to their antioxidant properties. Foods that contain flavonoids – which are much healthier for you as well – are parsley, peanuts and blueberries. Even though flavonoids have been shown to be healthy, there is insufficient evidence to prove if they can actually prevent dementia.

The take away here is that before you head out to start purchasing champagne on a regular basis to improve your brain health, try sticking with foods that contain flavonoids, exercising daily and eating a balanced diet to help lower your risk of dementia in the future.


Source:
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2015/11November/Pages/No-hard-evidence-champagne-can-prevent-dementia

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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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