Heading out tonight? Maybe you should treat yourself to a glass of bubbly. Why? Well according to some new research, champagne is actually good for you (eh, we’ll take a bottle of Moet thanks!).
According to scientists at Reading University, three glasses of the celebratory tipple a week can improve your memory and prevent brain disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
For years champagne connoisseurs have argued the benefits of the bubbly drink, but this new piece of research is the first time that solid health benefits have been discovered in champagne.
Apparently the compound that helps to stave off forgetfulness in the elderly is found in the black grapes (Pinot noir and Pinot meunier) that are used to make a glass of fizz.
“These grapes are used in red wine and lots of research has been done on the health benefits of red wine, so I was curious to find out if there were any health attributes in champagne,” said Jeremy Spencer, the biochemistry professor who led the research.
We can think of worse ways to stay healthy in fairness…
Red wine helps to lower blood pressure and protect the heart thanks to the compounds it contains that are called flavonoids. However, the memory protecting compound found in champagne is different and is known as phenolic acid.
According to Professor Spencer, it would be beneficial for anyone above the age of 40 to drink two or three glasses of bubbly a week.
“Dementia probably starts in the 40s and goes on to the 80s. It is a gradual decline and so the earlier people take these beneficial compounds in champagne, the better,” said Professor Spencer.
“This research is exciting because it illustrates for the first time that moderate consumption of champagne has the potential to influence cognitive functioning such as memory,” he added.
Professor Spencer is hoping to conduct a larger research trial on 50 or 60 people aged over 65 who will be asked to drink champagne for 3 years. However, a spokesman for the Alzheimer’s Society has said that we shouldn’t be celebrating yet.
“This is an interesting study, especially for those who enjoy a glass of bubbly. However, people should not start celebrating just yet. This is the first time a link between champagne and dementia risk reduction has been found. A lot more research is needed,” the spokesman said.
Is anyone else praying that this research turns out to be true? We’d gladly grow old with a glass of bubbly in our hand!
