Is one glass of wine a day healthy?
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The consumption of even low to moderate amounts of alcohol, such as one or two drinks per day, has been associated with various health risks. has discussed studies that show evidence of thinning of the neocortex, which can result in a loss of neurons in the brain, even for those who consume alcohol at these lower levels. This indicates that chronic alcohol intake, even at low levels, can disrupt brain health 1.
Additionally, alcohol increases the risk of certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer, due to its effects on gene expression and cell proliferation. emphasizes that this relationship has been known since the late 1980s, but it's not often discussed. He notes that there is a 4 to 13% increase in the risk of cancer for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed daily, which equates to approximately one drink per day 2.
Furthermore, in the context of cancer prevention, there is consensus that there is no dose of ethanol that is considered healthy. also points out that alcohol consumption beyond two drinks per week can lead to significant increases in cancer risk, especially for women in terms of breast cancer risk 3.
In summary, although occasional drinking might not be harmful for most individuals, the regular consumption of even one glass of wine per day could be linked to negative health consequences, including brain degeneration and an increased risk of certain cancers. It's important to consider these potential risks when evaluating the health effects of alcohol consumption.
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