Wine & Cheese

Marco Verch Professional Photographer / CC

If the sight of a cheese platter and some good wine at a party brings you delight, researchers from Iowa State University offer good news for you and your brain. Their study found this popular pairing may actually contribute to better cognitive health as you age. Participants answered questions about their food and alcohol consumption over an 8 to 10 year span. Participants were polled on their consumption of various foods and beverages, including fresh fruit, dried fruit, raw vegetables, salad, cooked vegetables, oily fish, lean fish, processed meat, poultry, beef, lamb, pork, cheese, bread, cereal, tea, coffee, beer, cider, red wine, white wine, champagne, and liquor each participant consumed. Researchers discovered cheese provides the most protection against age-related cognitive issues. Its impact is significantly greater than any other food in the report. The study also finds consuming alcohol daily, particularly red wine, can improve cognitive function as you age. While red meat continues to be a dietary concern, researchers say eating lamb weekly can increase mental prowess over the long haul.