Body & Mind

Science says: in these ways alcohol can make you smarter

By Sophie Rietmulder | #!31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:001531#31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:00-9Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331 17am31am-31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:009Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam2023312023Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200309308amThursday=9#!31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam8#08-17-2023#!31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:001531#/31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:00-9Europe/Amsterdam3131Europe/Amsterdam202331#!31Thu, 17 Aug 2023 09:30:15 +0200+02:00Europe/Amsterdam8#

As I type this, it is Monday, so of course I am currently in my ‘I will never drink again’ phase. Not that I went completely overboard this past weekend, far from it. I'm just 30 and can't drink like I did five years ago. Nowadays, a small drink on Sunday afternoon is enough to keep me in an extreme state of hangxiety for the next two days. However, having a daily glass of wine doesn't only bring misery. Research shows that light alcohol consumption (one to two glasses a day or about seven glasses a week) can make you smarter and healthier in the following ways.

You learn a new language faster
Really: drinking one glass of beer can already contribute to learning a new language. A study showed that students who drank a beer after learning a new language performed better in conversations with native speakers compared to non-drinkers. Now I seriously wonder if they didn't think they were suddenly mega-bilingual, but that might be because I once flirted in flawless Spanish while drunk. You guessed it: in reality, no coherent word came out.

You think more clearly
Overthinkers take note: moderate alcohol consumption seems to relax the brain and promote clear thinking. This can help prevent you from overthinking and lead to better, more thoughtful solutions to problems.

Weight management
Although too much alcohol can lead to weight gain, one glass of wine a day can actually help limit this. Your body is smart enough to adjust to that one glass of wine, making it process faster. If you drink more than that one glass, unfortunately, this life hack doesn't apply.

You feel happier
Even more good news for the wine lovers among us: that one glass of wine a day is also associated with a lower risk of depression. Do drink in moderation, as more than that can actually increase the risk.

It fosters social connection
One to two drinks per evening promote social interaction, making people feel more engaged and comfortable in cozy settings like bars and parties. This contributes to a sense of well-being and connectedness, which is great for your mental health.

It makes you creative and solution-oriented
Researchers recently found that people who drink moderately are quicker and more effective at solving puzzles. This is because after having a glass or two, you start thinking more creatively and thus come up with more efficient solutions. Note: this is not medical advice, but this can greatly help you in the workplace.

It extends your life
This research shows that women who drink seven or fewer drinks per week have a lower chance of dying prematurely, especially when it comes to cardiovascular diseases. For men, these benefits were less pronounced.

You have a reduced risk of disease
Thanks to a few glasses of wine or beer, you have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, but diabetes and dementia are also less likely to develop. Quite nice to know, right? At least I feel a lot less guilty about my weekly drink moment and right now I actually have just one question left: is it already Friday?

Source: Entrepreneur