Alcohol consumption is one of the most controversial issues in the medical community. How much alcohol is too much? Is there such a thing as safe alcohol consumption? Does red wine really improve cardiovascular health? Researchers have been debating these topics for years. Curtis Ellison, an American researcher, claimed that a glass of wine a day increases longevity and reduces heart disease risk. Studies indicate the opposite: alcohol may cause cancer – even in moderate drinkers.
With so much conflicting information, it’s no wonder most people feel confused when it comes to alcohol consumption. Health experts say that its potential benefits distract customers from the realities of cancer risk. According to the World Health Organization, alcohol is a Group 1 carcinogen.
Several studies conducted over the years indicate that alcoholic beverages may lead to over seven types of cancer by increasing hormone levels and making cells more vulnerable to tobacco, food additives, and other carcinogens. Mixing tobacco and alcohol is the worst. Statistics show that liver, oral, laryngeal, and esophageal cancers are more common in moderate and heavy drinkers than in non-alcohol users.
Alcohol has been also found to increase breast cancer risk. Women who have two to five drinks a day are twice more likely to develop cancer than those who don’t drink at all. However, women who drink just one glass a day have little or no risk of cancer. Other studies show that alcohol consumption is responsible for about six percent of all cancer deaths worldwide.
The medical community does not recommend alcohol as a healthy treat. Even if it has some benefits, the risks are greater than was previously thought. Customers are more confused than ever. After all, they keep hearing that small amounts of alcohol may help prevent heart disease and high cholesterol, which are among the main causes of death in the U.S. At the same time, this substance has been linked to cancer, liver disease, and metabolic disorders. Now that you know the risks and benefits, the decision is up to you.
