Wine lovers of the world, rejoice! A new study conducted by a Yale neuroscientist, Gordon Shepherd, has just revealed that drinking wine may actually make you smarter. According to the report in Food & Wine, Shepherd states that wine’s flavors engage our brains for more than we ever thought.
In Shepherd’s book, Neuroenology: How the Brain Creates the Taste of Wine, he posits that the act of wine tasting involves a number of complex motor actions. Swirling the wine, inhaling its bouquet, taking a sip, swishing, and then swallowing may sound like a relatively simple process but it’s not. Each of these steps encourages us to fully engage with our senses to better appreciate the wine.
In fact, our brains play a large part in creating the flavors we taste when we drink wine. Although the molecules in wine itself don’t carry any taste or flavor, “when they stimulate our brains, the brain creates flavor the same way it creates color," Shepherd stated to NPR.
In fact, our brains play a large part in creating the flavors we taste when we drink wine. Although the molecules in wine itself don’t carry any taste or flavor, “when they stimulate our brains, the brain creates flavor the same way it creates color," Shepherd stated to NPR.
Though it might sound crazy, the simple act of wine tasting uses more of our brains than math or logic problems, or any academically challenging activity that requires specific knowledge.
And in addition to making you smarter, wine already has a lot of known health benefits:
And in addition to making you smarter, wine already has a lot of known health benefits:
1. Antioxidants
Wine comes full of antioxidants, which are natural substances that ensure the continued well-being of our bodies. A recent study by the University of Barcelona revealed that white wine had equal, if not more, antioxidant-carrying phenols than its red counterpart. So if you’re choosing wine for its powerful antioxidant qualities, pour a glass of white.
2. Immune System Boost
Wine has long been known to boost your immune system when taken responsibly. While you shouldn’t skip a daily vitamin or go overboard, an occasional glass of wine can give your system a boost.
3. Increases Bone Density
Our bones become brittle and weak as we age, and a glass of wine can help you get the calcium amount you need. This can also be achieved by drinking milk, but a glass of wine sounds a lot more relaxing! Red wine has high levels of silicone, which increases bone density and reduces the chance of Osteoporosis.
4. Reduces The Risk Of Having A Stroke
John Hopkins University discovered that the resveratrol found in the skin of red grapes can help prevent a stroke. Moderate consumption of wine can also help prevent blood clotting. Red wine has phenols which act as natural blood thinners, but moderation is key!
5. Helps Lower Cholesterol
You can reduce your chance of high cholesterol with a glass of red wine a day since the procyanidins found in the wine help keep your heart strong and healthy. The procyanidins reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good (HDL).
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