Nicotine is usually demonised thanks to its ability to damage the body. Links have been made between nicotine and and heart and circulatory issues and respiratory disease as well. So it might come as a surprise to learn that a recent body of research has indicated nicotine might potentially have the ability to protect against the decline of our cognitive abilities. Furthermore, the study seemed to indicate brain functions could also be improved by nicotine consumption.
It’s very important, however, to point out that the study was preliminary in nature. No one knows whether those results would be borne out in a larger-scale study. No doubt such a study will be funded, but we’re a long way from calling nicotine a new ‘wonder drug’.
The lead researcher for the study, Dr Ursula Winzer-Serhan, did however state that the study ensured the nicotine was consumed without cigarettes being involved. Thus, it was consumed on its own rather than being paired with tobacco, which is of course usually the case with cigarettes. The study used three groups of animals, and those groups received either low, medium or high doses of nicotine in the water they drank each day.
It’s also important to note that Dr Winzer-Serhan made this statement: “We’re not encouraging people to smoke.” Well said. But does this mean those who vape – thus taking in nicotine and not tobacco smoke – could be getting some unexpected benefits from doing so?
Stopping smoking is something many people try to do each year. Many fail, and many more are achieving success by using electronic cigarettes to help them quit the habit. The fact that our brains age as we get older is something most of us accept – that’s just the way it is. But this curious study has shown there is the potential to halt that ageing process.
Let’s be clear here – nicotine is addictive. Furthermore, some will rightly be concerned that animals were used for this study. However, the results seem to show that while nicotine is addictive, it could potentially have some benefits for us in some situations. We are probably many years away from confirming this, but vapers should be pleased there could be a chance their switch from cigarettes to e-cigs could be beneficial in more ways than one.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think nicotine could be good for you in this way?
