Remembering beautiful things... thanks to champagne!

Do you have a soft spot for Champagne? Well, don’t hesitate to indulge during the holiday season (or at any other time). In addition to its fine and delicate taste and its joyful, festive character, Champagne might have benefits for cognitive functions, especially memory. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by researchers from the University of Reading in the UK and published in 2013 in the scientific journal Antioxidants and Redox Signalling.

"Magic Potion"

The study, conducted on rats, shows that drinking one to three glasses of Champagne per week improves cognitive functions and protects the brain from age-related memory loss, potentially preventing neurological conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Champagne is rich in polyphenols, molecules primarily found in the skin and seeds of grapes, which stimulate the part of the brain responsible for spatial memory and learning. This sparkling wine thus acts like a sort of "magic potion" for the brain, slowing down the aging process.

A Theory Supported by Other Foods

More specifically, these beneficial effects come from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, two of the three grape varieties extensively used in Champagne production and extremely rich in polyphenols. While tests have only been conducted on rats so far, researchers plan to apply these findings to humans: "Other tests on foods such as blueberries or cocoa have shown the beneficial effects of polyphenols on the human brain, and I anticipate similar results with Champagne," says Dr. David Azour, the lead author of the study.

FAQ - Champagne and memories

Is champagne good for memory?

According to a University of Reading study published in 2013, drinking one to three glasses of champagne a week could improve cognitive function and protect the brain against age-related memory loss. The research was carried out on rats, not humans.

How much champagne is involved in these effects?

The study points to one to three glasses per week. That is a moderate intake, best kept for festive occasions. Excessive drinking remains harmful to health.

Which compounds in champagne act on the brain?

Polyphenols, molecules found mainly in the skin and seeds of grapes. They are thought to stimulate the part of the brain that handles spatial memory and learning, slowing down brain ageing.

Which grape varieties are behind these benefits?

Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, two of the three main champagne grapes, which are especially rich in polyphenols. The third classic variety of the appellation is Chardonnay.

Have these benefits been confirmed in humans?

Not yet. So far the tests have only been run on rats. Researchers hope to extend them to humans, as has already been done with other polyphenol-rich foods such as blueberries and cocoa.