While a few glasses of wine can help clear the mind after a busy day, new research shows it can actually help clear the mind. The new study shows that low levels of alcohol consumption inhibit inflammation and help the brain clear out toxins, including those associated with Alzheimer's disease. The finding adds to a growing body of research pointing to the health benefits of low doses of alcohol. While excessive alcohol consumption is a well-documented health hazard, many studies have linked lower levels of alcohol consumption to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
The new study looked at the impact of both acute and chronic alcohol exposure. When studying the brains exposed to high levels of alcohol for long periods, the researchers observed high levels of a molecular marker for inflammation, especially in cells called astrocytes, which are the main regulators of the glymphatic system. They also noted reduced impairment of cognitive and motor skills.
Brains studied exposed to low levels of alcohol consumption, analogous to about 2 booze per day, actually showed less inflammation in the brain and their glymphatic system was more efficient at moving CSF through the brain and clearing waste, compared to those who were not exposed to alcohol.
