We have all heard about dementia in one way or another. It is not a specific disease, but the group of symptoms and disorders that affect the brain. It comes with several conditions, most commonly strokes, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. It is considered that Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia affected more than five million Americans in 2015 and cost the economy billions of dollars every year.
Dementia is extremely hard for patients, but especially for those people who have to take care of the sick. Sufferers may even turn violent and dangerous. When they lose the ability to function normally, to take care of themselves, and their actions and emotions, they require constant care. The simplest tasks like getting dressed or going to the bathroom may become too hard, in some cases even impossible.
Science claims it is impossible to reverse the symptoms of dementia once it occurs, but we can help our brains stay young and healthy before being affected. The best way, according to a British study conducted by the University of Reading, is to drink one to three glasses of the bubbly celebratory drink known as champagne per week. We have long been told that alcohol is bad, but in the last couple of years, more and more research has revealed we should drink wine, champagne and even beer.
Is Research Done On Mice Valid?
This study has never stated that champagne works on people since it was conducted on mice. The rodents were divided into three groups of eight; and given the memory and spatial tests with food rewards. It was indeed proven that the aged mice on champagne were better at locating food in maze runners than those given another drink with alcohol or soda, even though all the drinks had the same number of calories.
The rodents have been widely used as a model to research human illnesses for decades and with good results; so the researchers might be onto something here. Until we get some more information – at least a study conducted on people – one has to take this research with a grain of salt.
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The most probable reason this study was successful in rodents is because champagne contains high levels of phenolic acids coming from two types of red grapes, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir. Phenolics – or phenols – are compounds known for their ability to reduce brain inflammation, and protect the brain cells. The mice that were given champagne ended having more dystrophin in cortex and hippocampus areas in the brain, a protein able to prevent loss of logic and reasoning, and responsible for memory storage.
Phenolic Acid – The Reason Why Champagne Showed As Successful?
Phenolic acids can be found in many plants and plant-based foods, but the skins and seeds of fruits and the leafy vegetables contain the highest amounts. Phenolic acids are main forms of phytochemicals known as polyphenols. Besides phenolic acids, other well-known polyphenols include flavonoids and stilbenes. Together, they work as antioxidants strong enough to fight free radicals and prevent cellular and brain damage. Eating a well-balanced diet can provide a great variety of polyphenols.
As long as you consume enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you won't have to rely on champagne. Some foods that are rich in phenolic acids include berries, apples, cherries, citrus fruits, mangoes, onions, tea, coffee, whole grains and red wine. Yes, wine again! It is not only rich in phenolic acids, but it also contains resveratrol – another natural compound found mostly in grapes and dark chocolate – potentially able to affect causes of Alzheimer’s. This study was actually conducted on humans, and even better – people suffering from Alzheimer's disease – the results have shown that 1g of purified resveratrol two times a day can decline the disease progress.
This amount is the equivalent to resveratrol found in 1.000 liters of wine, so this research is dangerous because it can be interpreted wrongly – the researchers only wanted to show that everything should be consumed in moderation.
Similar experiments were conducted with other polyphenol-rich foods like cocoa and blueberries. Scientists claim that blueberries are loaded with healthy antioxidants able to prevent the effects of dementia. A study from the US University of Cincinnati tested how blueberries can help prevent the effects of Alzheimer's in 47 people older than 68, each one of them with mild cognitive deterioration. The researchers gave them either blueberry powder in the amount equal to a cup of blueberries, or a placebo, also in the form of powder, every day for four months. The first group showed improvements in overall brain function, including cognitive performance and improved memory, compared to those who got the placebo.
Conclusion
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I'm not saying it because I don't believe these studies. I'm talking about living the way we were meant to, by not limiting ourselves too much, and not letting ourselves go too far either. If you consume only fruit and veggie smoothies, you will lack some nutrients or minerals after a while, because our bodies need diversity. Same as for champagne. It is probably not the best solution to keep the brain healthy, but if it's going to help you relax on days your head feels not that good, you should go for it.
Sources & Links
- Photo courtesy of peter4k: www.flickr.com/photos/peter4k/14238068566/
- Photo courtesy of peter4k: www.flickr.com/photos/peter4k/14238068566/
- Photo courtesy of martindubenet: www.flickr.com/photos/martindubenet/16019187460/