Although excessive alcohol consumption is a health hazard clearly established, studies have already shown a link between low alcohol consumption and reduced risk of stroke Where heart failure.
This time, the study led by Dr. Maiken Nedergaard of the University of Rochester (United States) suggests that consuming alcohol in very moderate amounts would help the brain to get rid of its toxins.
More efficient cleaning at night
Dr. Nedergaard’s research has focused on the glymphatic system, the process that cleanses toxins that build up in the brain (including beta amyloid and tau proteins which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease). This system is more active at night, when we sleep.
By studying the glymphatic system in mice, the researchers discovered, as they expected, that excessive alcohol consumption caused significant inflammation in the brain. In contrast, rodents exposed to a moderate amount of alcohol had much less inflammation in the brain and above all had a more effective toxin cleansing system than those that had not received alcohol.
“Previous studies have shown that low to moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of dementia, while excessive alcohol consumption for many years is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Our study may help explain why this happens. Specifically, low doses of alcohol appear to improve overall brain health. “ emphasizes Dr Nedergaard.
This study was published in Scientific reports.
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