Today in "news alerts that didn't fill our hearts with terror": A new study says red wine is actually good for your brain because of its impact on your gut. Say what? We already know drinking red wine (in moderation) is good for your overall health, but it was the specific mention of gut health in this study that piqued our interest. Gut health is one of the buzziest topics in the wellness sphere, and poor gut health has been linked to everything from complexion concerns to fatigue. Naturally, we were all ears to learn how science supports our vino habit. Here's what the study says.
A new study published in Frontiers In Nutrition says red wine is beneficial to your gut—and because of this thing called the gut-brain connection, it's also beneficial to your brain. The researchers looked at the "molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective actions of wine," which in non-scientist speak means they looked at the compounds that wine leaves behind after they pass through your gut to see how they benefit your brain. They found those compounds (or "wine-derived human gut metabolites") protect neurons from damage and death. The conclusion: Consumption of red wine (again, in moderation) may be able to help reduce the risk of cognitive diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
So, should you swap your probiotics for a glass of red wine? Is red wine the new avocado? No and no. But the study is a fascinating reminder of how your diet can affect all aspects of your health. And should the researchers need more test subjects to help them study this matter further, we happily volunteer as tributes.
