If you were hesitant to let yourself be tempted by a beer while watching a Euro 2016 match, here is a study that should convince you. While excessive alcohol consumption damages organs such as the brain, it seems that beer, drunk in moderation, protects the brain from Alzheimer’s disease. Icelandic researchers reached this conclusion by carrying out a study to assess the impact of alcohol consumption (beer, wines, spirits) on the aggregation of beta-amyloid in the brain, a neuropathological sign of the disease of Alzheimers.
To find out, they based themselves on data collected on 125 autopsied men aged 35 to 70 at the time of their death. Their alcohol consumption and beta-amyloid aggregation in the brain were analyzed. Relatives of the deceased answered a questionnaire on their behavior towards alcohol.
Beer, a protection against the aggregation of beta-amyloid
The results showed that moderate beer consumption could protect against the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and therefore against the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
The researchers say more work is needed to verify this protective effect.
This study was reported by the Research Society on alcoholism.
This is not the first time that beer has been touted for its health benefits. Xanthohumol, a hop flavonoid, is suspected of stimulate cognitive abilities. It also appears that this antioxidant helps to lose weight.
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