Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. And with the changing lifestyle, this disease is now affecting the youth also. Although treatment for this terrible disease has advanced and become effective – along with early detection techniques, the mortality rate is still worrying. While there are many factors that cause cancer – alcohol is a significant risk factor.

However, it is popularly believed that red wine consumption may reduce the risk of cancer. Is it true?

“Red wine is often praised for its potential health benefits due to antioxidants such as resveratrol, which has been linked to potential cancer-preventive effects within laboratory studies. Resveratrol has shown promising applications in inhibiting tumor growth and slowing the spread of cancer cells as well as encouraging the death of those cancer cells,” Dr Sachin Trivedi, Director of Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, told Times Now. told.

“However, such concentrations of resveratrol would never be found in a glass of red wine; Therefore, it is unlikely that moderate alcohol consumption alone will provide the cancer-protective benefits that have been shown in laboratory studies.”

According to Dr. Trivedi, alcohol in itself is a significant risk factor for cancer. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, alcohol consumption substantially increases the risk of breast, liver and colon cancer.

How does alcohol cause cancer?

When alcohol is metabolized, it produces the toxic compound acetaldehyde which leads to changes in DNA and disrupts cellular activity corresponding to an increased risk of cancer. “Alcohol also affects nutrient absorption and weakens cellular immunity, reducing the body’s ability to effectively detect and fight cancer cells,” Dr. Trivedi said.

Even moderate consumption increases the risk of cancer, especially breast cancer, and no amount of alcohol has been proven completely safe in terms of reducing cancer risk.

Why is it believed that red wine is beneficial for good health?

In some studies, red wine has been linked to cardiovascular benefits. The phenomenon of the “French paradox” – where the French population had low rates of heart disease despite a diet high in saturated fat, leading to initial belief in moderate alcohol consumption.

Experts say this paradox has led to widespread interest in drinking moderate amounts of alcohol as a potential health enhancer.

While some studies indicate that red wine antioxidants provide limited health benefits, the risks associated with drinking wine are well known and far outweigh such benefits. A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition balanced by regular physical activity and minimal alcohol drinking, is much better at preventing cancer. Although the antioxidants in red wine are doing their job, the same antioxidant sources as red wine are also present in non-alcohol foods such as fruits, vegetables and other teas.

In summary, although moderate red wine consumption may have potential health benefits related to heart health, it is no substitute for cancer risk prevention. A more balanced and low-alcohol lifestyle is more effective for people concerned about cancer risk.

“The keys to cancer prevention are a balanced diet, regular exercise and avoiding known carcinogens such as tobacco and excessive alcohol. As per American Cancer Society guidelines, any level of alcohol is considered a risk for carcinogenesis from alcohol,” said Dr Sewanti Limaye, Director of Medical Oncology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

Dr. Limaye also said that resveratrol has the potential to slow the progression of some cancers, including breast and colorectal cancers, but the evidence is not conclusive enough to recommend alcohol as a cancer-fighting strategy.

“In short, while red wine may contain some promising compounds, it should not be considered a cancer cure,” she said.

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