The news last week was disheartening for anyone who loves a glass of wine. A massive study of middle-aged British women showed an alarming increase in cancer risk among those who drink alcohol.

Researchers studied 1.2 million women in the United Kingdom and found that 13 percent of all cancers of the breast, liver, rectum, upper respiratory and digestive tract were attributed to moderate alcohol consumption.

Add this to the growing list of conflicting information about the foods we eat and drink. One week something prolongs our health, the next week that same item shortens it.

It has long been reported that the anti-oxidant properties of resveratol in red wine reduce cardiovascular disease, and until last week’s study, most health professionals believed a single serving of any form of alcohol per day wouldn’t hurt and might actually improve one’s health. This latest information, made available in the online edition of The Journal of National Cancer Institute on February 24th, casts doubt on that claim.

What do we do now? The study’s authors say we should discuss these new risks with our doctors. But until we make that appointment, perhaps the best advice came from Dr. Timothy Johnson last week, medical correspondent for ABC News. He said if there is a family history of cancer, we should cut back or possibly stop drinking alcohol, and if the family risk is stronger for cardiovascular disease, we might want to enjoy our daily glass of wine.

All health professionals repeat the same advice of old. If you don’t drink alcohol now, any perceived health benefit is no reason to start drinking now.

Be certain we monitor all the latest health news related to wine. Count on us to pass it along to you on this blog.

Tags: wine and cancer, wine and cardiovascular, wine and health, Wine Paradox

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