Smokers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, a phenomenon that scientists have been trying to explain for some time. For years, it was thought that nicotine could be responsible for this protective effect, but a new study contradicts this theory and points to another substance.
The research suggests that carbon monoxide, a toxic and deadly gas present in cigarette smoke, may be the missing piece to explain this relationship. According to Clara Bueno Lopez, first author of the study and cited by IFLScience, carbon monoxide is known to "protect against oxidative damage and reduce inflammation," properties that could contribute to reducing the risk of Parkinson's.
The study may pave the way for new treatments for Parkinson's disease, although the research is still in its early stages. Researchers warn that smoking still poses serious health risks, so the discovery should not be interpreted as an incentive to smoke.
