If you're the type who drinks beer or a glass of wine on a daily basis, you might like to think twice after reading this article. Learn about the effects of alcohol on the brain here.
In this article, you will read:
- Study: A glass of alcoholic drink a day can harm the brain
- Alternate beverages you can drink to lessen alcohol consumption
After a day's worth of hard work, taking care of the kids, and addressing life with all its adversities - we feel the need to de-stress. Most all the time, this includes pouring ourselves an alcoholic beverage to help us further relax at the end of the day.
But did you know that even just a glass of alcohol a day can actually in turn be detrimental to our brains? Yup, this phenomenon is actually backed up by research and studies.
Effects of alcohol on the brain
You may wonder, what does drinking your preferred choice of alcoholic have to do with the way your brain functions? Well, a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania has proven this to be true.
According to the study published in Science Daily, even light-to-moderate drinking is associated with harm to the brain. Researchers analysed data from over 36,000 adults and found a link between drinking and reduced brain volume.
We are aware that the consumption of alcoholic drinks can alter the brain. However, what's surprising is that it takes less than what we initially thought to have some neurological effects.
According to the study, it begins at an average consumption level of less than one alcohol unit a day -- the equivalent of about half a beer -- and rises with each additional drink.
Gideon Nave, Carlos and Rosa de la Cruz Assistant Professor in the Wharton School Department of Marketing and the Wharton Neuroscience Initiative at UPenn said,
"The fact that we have such a large sample size allows us to find subtle patterns, even between drinking the equivalent of half a beer and one beer a day."
This study finds a contrast to the previous scientific and government guidelines on safe drinking limits, said Henry Kranzler, director of the Penn Center for Studies of Addiction.
"For example, although the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women consume an average of no more than one drink per day, recommended limits for men are twice that, an amount that exceeds the consumption level associated in the study with decreased brain volume," he said.
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These findings may prompt those who drink alcohol on a regular basis to reconsider their intake.
"There is some evidence that the effect of drinking on the brain is exponential," said Remi Daviet, one of the authors of the study. "So, one additional drink in a day could have more of an impact than any of the previous drinks that day. That means that cutting back on that final drink of the night might have a big effect in terms of brain ageing," he added.
In other words, people who can benefit the most from drinking less are the people who are already drinking the most.
Substitute for alcoholic drinks
If you are a casual alcohol drinker, do not fret. We have rounded up a few new drinks you might be interested in trying in replacement to alcohol.
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Soda
Sodas are not the healthiest of options, but they sure can quench your thirst!
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Kombucha
Kombucha is actually very good for your health and overall good for your body. Studies say Kombucha works well if you consume it every day. Safe to say, it has a lot of benefits.
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Virgin Bloody Mary
A lot of people confuse a bloody Mary with having alcohol in it, but it definitely is alcohol-free, mums and dads - so this one is safe! Virgin Bloody Mary is a type of drink that has a ton of non-booze ingredients as well.
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Virgin Mojito
This refreshing Virgin Mojito is brimming with fresh mint, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and plenty of ice! This refreshing drink is easy to make too, so that's a plus.
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Mocktails
A mocktail is usually served cold or on ice. This iced drink is made with any of various ingredients (such as juice, herbs, and soda water) but without alcohol.
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Non-alcoholic beers
Yes, they exist! Enjoy drinking beer minus the alcohol part. Check out this blog on where to get these non-alcoholic drinks that are also just as festive.
Remember, mums and dads, to reduce the effect of alcohol on the brain, the key here is moderation. Make an effort to lessen your intake of alcoholic drinks to keep you healthy - physically and mentally.