Fun stuff that’s healthy #2: Red wine

Red wine may help protect the heart and brain from aging, stroke, and heart disease. Moderate consumption (1-2 glasses/day) of any alcoholic beverage increases HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lowers blood pressure, both of which are good for the brain. Red wine also contains resveratrol and flavonoids that may provide additional benefits by protecting neurons from damage. Resveratrol increases heme oxygenase, an enzyme that protects neurons from free radical damage.

Caution: Attempting to “catch up” on missed days of drinking is likely to cause temporary but substantial cognitive impairment! The problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption quickly overwhelm the benefits.