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Red wine may reduce breast cancer risk, study finds

Category: Breast

Drinking moderate amounts of red wine - and not other types of alcohol - may help women reduce their chances of receiving lab test results indicating they have breast cancer, according to a new study published in the Journal of Women's Health.

The Cedars Sinai researchers who conduced the study said that alcohol consumption has long been recognized as a significant risk factor for breast cancer, particularly among older women. The substance is known to raise estrogen levels, which can fuel the growth of breast cancer cells.

However, after examining the effects of different types of wine on the hormone levels of 36 women, the researchers found that red wine did not raise estrogen levels. In fact, red wine appeared to slightly lower estrogen while boosting testosterone.

The researchers said that nutrients present in the skin and seeds of red grapes appeared to account for the benefit. 

"If you were to have a glass of wine with dinner, you may want to consider a glass of red," said Chrisandra Shufelt, who led the investigation. "Switching may shift your risk."