According to a report in the London Daily Mail, drinking wine damages the brain more than beer or spirits.

It particularly affects the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory and spatial awareness, and one of the first areas to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the report continued.

Since some people drink wine for the health benefits, this comes as a bit of a shock!

Moderate wine drinking has been linked to a host of health benefits, including reducing cholesterol and high blood pressure. Resveratol, a molecule found in the skin of red grapes, has been associated with health benefits including a reduced risk of heart disease, strokes and some cancers. But research in the International Journal of Cancer last year claimed just one glass of wine a day could increase the risk of bowel cancer by 10% and over-consumption of any alcohol can lead to increased risk of kidney and liver disease, long-term brain damage and organ failure.

Even if we aren’t drinking for the health benefits, at least the stuff still tastes good!

Note: Originally published 3/19/08.