Who knew?
Posted on 04/29/2005 8:59:41 AM PDT by Bacon Man
Drinking alcohol boosts the growth of new nerve cells in the brain, research suggests.
But while this might sound good in theory, the Swedish team believe these new cells could contribute to the development of alcohol dependence.
Mice fed moderate quantities of alcohol grew extra brain cells, but also showed a preference for alcohol over water.
The Karolinska Institute research appears in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology.
Brain growth
Lead researcher Professor Stefan Brene said: "We believe that the increased production of new nerve cells during moderate alcohol consumption can be important for the development of alcohol addiction and other long-term effects of alcohol on the brain."
Alternatively, the extra cells might help with learning and memory, he said.
Another theory, according to the researchers, is that the tranquilising effect of alcohol triggers the growth.
All of the new cells developed normally.
A spokeswoman from the Campaign for Real Ale said: "It is well known that alcohol in moderation is good for your body so it's no surprise it's also good for your mind.
"Maybe that is why lots of pub quiz teams are so bright."
A spokeswoman from Alcohol Concern said: "This type of study could prove useful in the long term to shed light on the relationship between alcohol intake and dependency.
"However, very little can be drawn from a single animal-based study at this stage.
"Much more research is needed to explore the relationship between drinking patterns and their effect on the human brain."
Yeah.
Happens to me every time.
Well, it must depend on other causes. There are cases of bona fide geniuses who had very heavy alcohol consumption, but not every tippler grows even a talent, let alone genius.
Or better yet. From the Family Guy:
Lois: Peter! You're drunk again!
Peter: I'm not drunk... I'm tired. I've been up all night drinking.
You have to have a brain first to expect it to grow. Nick is brainly Hollyweirdo.
LOL
Hey, it sounds like you must have been the DJ at a strip club I once went to....small world.
The article was talking about moderate drinking, not excessive drinking.
I drank more than you in college.... maybe I'm the one that should be trying out for jeopardy ;~D
The Buffalo Theory
by Cliff Clavin
“Well ya see, Norm, it’s like this…
A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.
In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But, naturally it attacks the slowest and weakest cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates weaker cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That’s why you always feel smarter after drinking beer.”
And your liver too!
Well, you can go with me to the next one!
No but I think I've been to that club also. A long time ago.
"Well you see, Norm, it's like this...A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."
But not the skull?
THAT'S why my head hurts!
Still doesn't explain moron Ted Kennedy's lack of brain cells. The more alcohol he consumes the stupider he gets.
Moderate use of alcohol is good for you. That's why I am partial to red wine, beer and grain spirits in moderation.
Hic! Hic! . . . Burp! Not bad manners, just good beer . . .
>>it's no surprise it's also good for your mind.
Well, it made Bud wiser.
Then again look at Ted Kennedy...oh-KAY, so much for
this theory.
Sorry to hear about your condition. Is heavy drinking a factor in contracting M.S. or was that a side note? I've never heard that.
Ted Kennedy is a living illustration of the difference between moderation and excess.
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