Wine is Worse for the Brain… if you’re a woman
In my continuing efforts to help elevate the status of beer in the public consciousness, I am always on the look out for articles that show beer in a more favorable light than wine. I am not necessarily looking for ways to put down wine more than I am looking for examples where beer shines just a little bit brighter. So imagine my surprise when I came across this article.
To paraphrase the article, drinking alcohol impairs the brain, more specifically, the hippocampus. The hippocampus is believed to be responsible in general memory creation as well as spatial memory and navigation. That means the hippocampus helps your remember things, especially where you are, where you’ve been and how to get to where you’re going. The hippocampus is also one of the first regions of the brain to deteriorate upon the onset of Alzheimers Disease.
While consumption of alcohol affects the hippocampus of everyone, the study suggests that because women are more likely to be wine drinkers instead of beer drinkers, the negative effects of alcohol on the hippocampus have been seen more in women than men. The article implies that heavy consumers of wine, regardless of gender, would be susceptible as well.
The article also goes on to say that beer drinkers tend to have low levels of the compound homocysteine, which is linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, bone weakness and breaks.
I take these articles with a grain of salt. Despite the numerous articles playing up the various medical advantages of wine consumption, or even beer consumption for that matter, there are just as many pitfalls. Even one glass of wine a day can increase your chances of bowel cancer by 10%. I guess the point I’m trying to make is to enjoy alcohol responsibly. Drink for pleasure and for flavor. Sure it’s fun to get a little tipsy but it’s never fun to put anyone at risk, even yourselves.
I’ve been busy lately with my freelance design projects and I am admittedly behind on my postings. I do have a few articles in the wings and I plan on getting caught up tonight.
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