A new study finds that drinking is the worst habit for your brain.

There are many reasons not to drink too much beer or wine, especially because alcohol can cause harm to your health in different ways. You might want to stop drinking alcohol. Recent research has shown that even moderate amounts of alcohol can accelerate ageing.

The July 2022 study was published in. Data was collected from 20,965 participants, whose average age was 55. The 2.7% who didn’t consume alcohol were the rest, with an average of 18 units per week. For perspective, 18 units are equivalent to six large glasses of wine. You might prefer beer. It costs the same amount as seven and a quarter cans of your favourite beer. This was too much for brain health. “Higher brain Iron is linked to poorer cognitive performance. Iron accumulation may be a cause of the alcohol-related cognitive decline.

Researchers found that moderate alcohol intake was associated with higher iron accumulation in the basal Ganglia, a brain region that aids us in performing cognitive, emotional and movement-related functions.” Emma Laing is a clinical professor at Georgia and the national spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Eat That, Not That! Higher levels of iron in basal ganglia were associated with lower cognitive function.

Laing explains that the brain is sensitive to changes in iron metabolism. Iron in the brain can cause cognitive decline. “An abnormally high level of iron in the brain has been linked to oxidative stress. This causes neuronal damage, cell death and neuronal injury.”

Here are some tips to reduce alcohol consumption

Laing suggests that you “choose light, nonalcoholic, and alcohol-free beverages” if you want to decrease the alcohol consumption to age your brain. Drinking water with your drink can help to curb alcohol consumption.

While some individuals might be tempted to replace their alcoholic beverages with nonalcoholic alternatives, people who have or are recovering from alcohol addiction should be cautioned about trying them, as they might increase the desire to drink alcohol. Laing points out that the health consequences of alcohol consumption are dependent on individual health and their medications.

Laing also states, “If you tend to consume excessive alcohol or notice that it causes problems in your personal and professional life, counseling and recovery programs are recommended.” You can ask your primary care provider for information about the best resources. It is not recommended to start a drinking habit if you aren’t a drinker.