And yes, you’re able to still have fun without it.

Getty Images

When it comes to our memory and cognition, what we eat matters.

While certain foods and drinks canbolster brain healthwere looking at you leafy greens and salmonothers may harm it.

Image of a woman looking pensive at her laptop with glasses in her hand.

Photo:Getty Images

You may enjoy alcohol at a holiday party, weekend sporting event or alongside dinner.

On the other hand, overdoing it can lead to harmful consequences, especially for your memory.

In the short term, this may cause lowered judgment and slowed reaction time, among other effects.

For example, a 2022 research study published inNature Communicationsanalyzed imaging data from more than 36,000 healthy adults.

Not only that, but alcohol is inflammatory for your brain, concludes research in 2020 in the journalAlcohol.

She points out thatreducingalcohol consumption can help you think more clearly, improve memory and promote better decision-making.

On the flip side, research shows limiting alcohol can have promising effects on your brain health.

And you dont have to resign yourself to water, either.

you’re free to wake up in the morning with a clear mind, too.