A study conducted by Göttingen University in Germany shows that the hippocampus shrinks less for drinkers of beer than wine or the hard stuff.

The ground-breaking study shows that the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in memory, spatial tasks and many other functions, was more than 10 per cent smaller in those whose tipple was wine than in those who favoured beer.

Why? Are they myths about bottle or keg conditioned beer with the yeast left in true? Do the things left in the beer help your brain? I’ve never once seen the “less hang-over from homebrew” rumor to be true — I drink a lot more when I drink my homebrew and I get a massive hangover.

What could be be? Seems the researchers are attributing a substance called homocysteine — which wikipedia doesn’t appear to mention as impacting yo noggin — but certainly shows some cardiovascular and skeletal issues. Regardless it seems the vitamin B producing stuff in beer yeast helps limit the bodies production of homocysteine, which is a nice side-effect of getting a buzz that wine won’t provide.

Researchers found that beer drinkers had the lowest levels of the compound. One theory is that other ingredients of beer – B vitamins and folate – may break down homocysteine.

Definitive proof beer is better for the brain? Doubtful — but relax, don’t worry, have a homebrew!

Wine is worse for the brain than beer, research finds[The Independent]