Scientists at the University of Reading are about to become your new best friends. They have discovered that drinking one to three glasses of Champagne every week could help delay the onset of degenerative brain disorders such as dementia and can counteract the memory losses associated with ageing. Phenolic compounds that can be found in Champagne are thought to improve spatial memory and store information in the brain for future navigation. The compounds work by modulating signals to the hippocampus and cortex, which control memory and learning, and have been found to alter the proteins linked to the effective storage of memory in the brain. These proteins become depleted with age, making memory storage far less efficient. The new research suggests that Champagne slows this process.
“two glasses of champagne a day may be good for your heart and circulation and could reduce the risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke.”
Champagne has a higher number of phenolics then white wines. These derive predominantly from two red grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier which are used in the production of Champagne, along with the white grape, Chardonnay. It was previously reported that red wine also helps delay degenerative brain disorders due to particular flavonoids it contains. However, Champagne does not contain flavonoids, so it was a surprise to find that Champagne possesses similar preventative qualities. The University of Reading encourages a responsible approach to this information, and only recommends consuming a few glasses of bubbly each week. However, researchers also revealed that two glasses of champagne every day may have health benefits for the imbiber’s heart and circulation and could reduce the risks of suffering cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
Thank you University of Reading!
Holly Martin
