Women's Issues

Everyone has heard of the health benefits associated with drinking red wine. While red wine can offer some benefits for the heart, there is little research on alcohol in the risk of breast cancer.

Although there is no direct evidence linking the two, the current knowledge about the effects of alcohol has the potential to increase the risk of breast cancer. By nature, alcohol reduces blood levels of folic acid. Folic acid is a B vitamin that fight against breast cancer. Folic acid is a real reduction of concern for women who drink a lot, because it could dramatically increase their risk of breast cancer.

There are a variety of ways in which folic acid can be replenished to combat the effects of alcohol. An obvious solution is to take a multivitamin tablet or folic acid. In addition, there are many foods that contain folic acid. Many large vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, broccoli, and split peas are rich in folic acid. The beans are also a good source of folic acid.

Beyond folate depletion, the preliminary investigation suggests otherwise harmful possible link between breast cancer and alcohol. The healthy plant chemicals found in wine, called phenols, could attach to estrogen receptors in breast cells. This could potentially fuel cell growth of breast cancer.

While alcohol such as red wine, can offer some health benefits, research has yet to be undertaken to understand the potential risks of cancer. In order to reduce any potential induced by alcohol the risk of breast cancer, it is important to drink only in moderation.