Thursday, January 20, 2005

drink up!

Important news from medical science today as reported in the LA Times :

"Low levels of alcohol appear to have cognitive benefits"

"The study of more than 12,000 elderly women found that those who consumed light to moderate amounts of alcohol daily had about a 20 percent lower risk of experiencing problems with their mental abilities later in life."

But what about me?

"While the study involved only women, the findings probably hold true for men, although previous research indicates that men seem to benefit from drinking slightly more -- one to two drinks per day, researchers said."

The article goes on to list the many benefits of alcohol:

longer, healthier life
less risk for dementia
improved cognitive function
good for the heart
reduced risk of small strokes

The catch? In moderation.

I've been on the wagon for more than three weeks, but I guess I'd better have a drink for my own good.