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Moderate Wine Drinkers Less Likely to Develop Diabetes Than Teetotalers

  • July 28, 2017

CNN reports that alcohol may help ward off diabetes. This conclusion was based on a recent study that found a lower risk of diabetes in men and women who imbibe three to four times weekly. This is not the first time that a link between diabetes and drinking has been discussed. The consumption of alcohol has been the focus of a large body of research. 

It is not surprising that the impact of alcohol on your health can be described as a mixed bag. On one hand there are studies that show it providing incremental benefits, but it is impossible to ignore the negative consequences of heavy drinking. Then there is the unescapable fact that alcohol consumption drives up your net carbohydrate intake. 

Even light use of alcohol is linked to mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon and breast cancer. The carbohydrates in alcohol contribute to an increased amount of blood sugar, also linked to the development and progression of cancer.

The American Cancer Society also warns that even a few drinks each week can increase your risk of breast cancer. The risk is higher in women who have low folate levels. Other research links the recurrence of breast cancer with alcohol intake. Both of these links appear to be from the ability of alcohol to raise your estrogen level. Alcohol also affects hormones in men. Chronic alcohol use is associated with testicular failure and male infertility. Feminine symptoms in men suggest that alcohol may also contain biologically active phytoestrogens.

Colon cancer is also linked to the consumption of alcohol. In a study published in the journal Cancer, researchers found that 1 out of 7 of those diagnosed with colon cancer were under the age of 50. Current guidelines list age 50 as the time when colon cancer screenings should begin.

The protection wine provides against diabetes can also be addressed with a nourishing diet. To make matters worse, glyphosate has been found in organic and biodynamic wines. Then there is the issue of high arsenic levels in many of the best-selling wines. For this reason, I recommend that if you drink you should do so in moderation. For more leading edge dietary research, I recommend my nutrition plan. It is full of actionable information that can be used by beginners and experts alike.