Think red wine is safer? A new study shows both red and white wines carry similar cancer risks—but white wine may pack an extra punch when it comes to skin cancer. Study: Consumption of Red Versus White Wine and Cancer Risk: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Image Credit: Africa Studio / Shutterstock.
com A recent study published in the journal Nutrients explores whether the incidence of cancer differs depending on whether one consumes red or white wine. Carcinogenic effects of alcoholic beverages Over several decades ago, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcoholic beverages as Group 1 carcinogens, thus indicating that no level of alcohol consumption is considered safe for human health. Some of the most common types of cancer that can be directly linked to alcohol use include bowel cancer and female breast cancer.
In 2020, approximately 4.1% of total global cancer cases were due to alcohol consumption. After alcohol is consumed, the liver metabolizes ethanol to acetaldehyde, a highly reactive and toxic compound.
Acetaldehyde can form Schiff-base adducts with DNA and cellular proteins, increasing the risk of point mutations and DNA-DNA and DNA-protein crosslinks. It is generally perceived that red wine is a healthier option than white wine because it contains a higher number of antioxidants, such as polymeric tannins and flavonoids. Interestingly, a recent Canadian survey indicated that 41% of respondents were not certain whether or no.
