Scientist Regular moderate red wine consumption protects against dementia

Red wine can cleanse the brain of toxins

There have been several studies that have documented the benefits of consuming red wine on the health of the heart. Researchers have now found that drinking regular one or two glasses of red wine is also good for the brain, and may even seem to protect against Alzheimer's.

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) found that consuming small amounts of red wine to fight inflammation and rid the brain of toxins. The experts published the results of their study in the scientific journal "Scientific Reports".

The consumption of red wine can be harmful to the general health and brain in large quantities. However, lower, regularly consumed amounts of red wine seem to be good for the brain. (Image: Syda Productions / fotolia.com)

How does wine affect the brain??

The physicians researched how both excessive and low alcohol consumption affects the brain of laboratory mice. In particular, they analyzed the way in which the brain is rid of toxins. The functionality is somewhat similar to flushing.

A substance known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is pumped into the brain tissue where it eliminates the toxic substances. Certain toxins, such as beta amyloid and tau, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, can be removed, the experts explain.

Too much wine is bad for the brain

When the mice were exposed to high concentrations of alcohol for a long time, some of their motor skills and cognitive abilities decreased and their brains became very inflamed. However, when the mice ingested the equivalent of two and a half glasses of wine a day, the brains of the affected animals would be more effectively cleansed than if they had not consumed any wine at all, the researchers report.

Low to moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of dementia

Other studies have shown that low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while heavy drinking over many years increases the risk of cognitive decline, says author Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Alcohol can actually be good for the brain

This is the first time that an investigation has shown that alcohol can be good for the brain, even though the beneficial effects of small amounts of red wine on the human heart were already known, the experts explain.

Red wine contains important antioxidants

For example, a recent study by Louisiana State University found that compounds in wine can help with surgical treatments. The physicians reported in a press release on the results of this research. In a so-called coronary angioplasty, in which a small balloon is introduced into the body to dilate clogged or narrow arteries, which is said to facilitate blood flow and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, red wine can be quite useful. Over time, the risk increases that the balloon is insufficient to prevent the blockage and re-narrowing of the arteries.

The red wine is helpful in such a case because it contains two important antioxidants that can prevent inflammation: resveratrol and quercetin.

Red wine can prevent blood clots and inflammation

By administering red wine antioxidants during conventional angioplasty, it is possible to prevent excess tissue from building up and blood vessels from contracting again during healing. Tammy Dugas. The physician used a so-called stent (a short tube small enough to fit in a blood vessel) to slowly release the antioxidants contained in red wine in the body. Thus, blood clots and inflammation can be prevented. (As)