Drinks news

Champagne better for brain

If you're worried about dementia, then it turns out champagne might be your best tipple of choice

If the pop of a cork gets you bubbling over with excitement, then this news will empty your glass. Research from the University of Reading, in the UK, has emerged to suggest that drinking a couple of glasses of champagne each week could actually help delay the onset of degenerative brain disorders and memory problems associated with ageing.

Scientists at the university discovered that phenolic compounds found in champagne can improve spatial memory. Because the two main grapes used for champers are Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it has a higher phenolic content that other types of wine.

"These exciting results illustrate for the first time that the moderate consumption of champagne has the potential to influence cognitive functioning, such as memory," said Professor Jeremy Spencer, Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Reading. "Our results suggest that a very low intake of one to two glasses a week can be effective."

Moderation is key to reaping the benefits here. Previous research has been clear that excessive alcohol consumption is actually a marker for increased dementia risk. But, bearing in mind champagne consumption has also been linked to improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of stroke, if you're going to raise a glass, make it a bubbly one!

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