If you like some of the finer things in life, you might be no stranger to a glass of red wine and a selection of cheeses. Of course, like a lot of treats, wine and cheese are very much a guilty pleasure.
We know wine is full of calories from the sugar in addition to being alcohol, which acts as a diuretic, damaging our liver and skin. It's not going to compete with a smoothie from one of our best blenders in the "healthy drinks" category. Likewise, cheese is stuffed with calories and cholesterol, so both these treats – in excess – are very obviously bad for us. It'll require a good deal more than our best exercises for weight loss to offset regular binging.
However, a new study has shown in moderation, regular consumption of cheese and wine can actually benefit our brains, helping to prevent the cognitive decline that can lead to conditions such as dementia.
The study, conducted by researchers at Iowa State University, sought to connect the consumption of specific foods to later-in-life cognitive acuity. By study 1,617 aging adults and quizzing them on their food habits, in addition to conducting cognitive tests, the researchers found the following:
- Cheese was shown to be the most protective food against age-related cognitive problems, even late into life when signs of dementia commonly appear.
- One glass of red wine a day was related to a cognitive boost.
- Weekly consumption of lamb (but strangely, not other red meats) was shown to improve your brainpower long-term.
- Excessive consumption of salt is bad, but only individuals already at risk for Alzheimer's need to keep an eye on their intake.
Principal investigator Auriel Willette said: "I was pleasantly surprised that our results suggest that responsibly eating cheese and drinking red wine daily are not just good for helping us cope with our current COVID-19 pandemic, but perhaps also dealing with an increasingly complex world that never seems to slow down."
Of course, as we mentioned earlier, both of these brain-protecting foods are still guilty pleasures, so "moderation" is the key here. Over-indulging on red wine and cheese with abandon will likely create health problems irrespective of how sharp your crossword skills might be in your old age.
Planning these treats into your diet can actually be good for your long-term healthy eating goals, too, as they can make you feel less deprived. One study, jointly published by researchers from Portugal and the Netherlands, found planned deviations from your diet is more likely to prevent you from embarking on "bad food binges".
Planning this deviation in advance contributes to a mostly healthy, well-rounded diet which happens to include a little bit of what you fancy. Our portion size guide can also help prevent binging.
You're only human: cut yourself a little slack (and a slice of cheese) now and again. Planning for it in advance will help keep you on the straight and narrow while protecting your brain health.
Matt Evans is an experienced health and fitness journalist and Channel Editor at Fit&Well. He's previously written for titles like Men's Health and Red Bull, and covers all things exercise and nutrition on the Fit&Well website.
Matt originally discovered exercise through martial arts: he holds a black belt in Karate and remains a keen kickboxer and runner. His top fitness tip? Stretch.
-
-
The "colorful plate" is one simple food rule that prevents loads of health issues
Nutrition This food rule is a simple dietary trick that keeps you eating a wide variety of micronutrients and prevent cognitive decline
By Matt Evans •
-
This ten-minute breathing exercise can really help you lose weight and fight aging
Wellness Why breathing exercises practised by the likes of Wim Hof really work to lower cortisol and activate your immune system
By Matt Evans •
-
The "colorful plate" is one simple food rule that prevents loads of health issues
Nutrition This food rule is a simple dietary trick that keeps you eating a wide variety of micronutrients and prevent cognitive decline
By Matt Evans •
-
Three things you need to know about the keto diet, according to science
Nutrition The ketogenic or keto diet is a great weight loss tool, but how much do you really know about it?
By Matt Evans •
-
What time of day should you be eating protein – breakfast or dinner?
Nutrition When we eat can be almost as important as what we eat, as protein improves more muscle in the morning than at night
By Matt Evans •
-
Plant-based diets cut menopause hot flashes by 84%, study finds
Nutrition A low fat plant-based diet, which also included soy, helped to alleviate symptoms
By Sarah Finley •
-
The biggest health risk to the over 40s has been revealed as high-risk drinking
Nutrition A new British study has found 35% of over-40s have two or more serious health conditions
By Matt Evans •
-
What's the healthiest way to cook your eggs? We look at the research to find out
Nutrition How do you like your eggs in the morning? This is how eggs should be cooked for healthy eating
By Matt Evans •
-
These insect-based breakfasts are super healthy - but would you eat them?
Nutrition The alternative meals include a cricket breakfast smoothie and mealworm granola
By Sarah Finley •
-
Love coffee? You could be increasing your risk of osteoporosis
Nutrition Post-menopausal women and teenagers are amongst those most at risk, according to a new study
By Sarah Finley •
