For many years medical experts have advised women to limit alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of breast cancer. A new study finds that there may be an exception to that rule. Red wine unlike other forms of alcohol, appears to help reduce one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer—estrogen.

Researchers found that phytochemical compounds present in red wine act like aromatase inhibitors, a drug that suppresses estrogen production. This is significant as about 75 percent of all breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive (ER-Positive) breast cancers--meaning they are fueled by estrogen.

Before this study, all alcoholic beverages were believed to promote the conversion of androgens like testosterone into estrogen.

Study Details

The researchers randomly assigned 36 pre-menopausal women to drink eight ounces of either Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay nightly for almost a month and then switch to the other type of wine. Blood samples were collected twice each month to measure hormone levels.

They found that red wine slightly lowered estrogen levels while elevating testosterone. White wine lacked the same affect.

Study authors believe that phytochemicals in red grape skin and red grape seeds that are not found in white grapes may decrease breast cancer risk by changing hormone patterns. Similar results have been reported in test tube studies.

Other Benefits

Other studies have found that women who drank more red wine showed less breast density on mammograms. Dense breasts are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Sources:

Science Daily

Los Angeles Times