Japan's Institute of Longevity has released figures from an ongoing study into longevity that men and women who drink wine made from grapes or rice had an IQ 3.3 and 2.5 points higher than teetotallers.

The study measured links with human intelligence and what we eat and drink. The study involved drinkers and non drinkers, aged 40 and above who were all university graduates.

"The benefits of wine and sake (rice wine) in raising IQ could be due to substances they contain, such as polyphenols, which are believed to slow the ageing process. It is premature to conclude that drinking of wine or sake slows the deterioration of brain functions in the elderly, or wards off senility. The research does, however, suggest that this is one way to stay mentally alert longer", commented Hiroshi Shimokata, Head of Epidemiologist Research.

Japan is a nation with the best age longevity records, at 76.7 for men and 83.2 for women, according to the latest Health Ministry figures.

The Japanese have been drinking sake since the 3rd century AD, but wine, mostly imported from overseas, has gained wide popularity in the past 20 years.

Report Times (London) 25 November 2000