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For years, red wine has been touted as a healthier choice than white, mostly because it’s rich in resveratrol — a powerful antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease and cancer.
While white wine has traditionally been known as the more diet-friendly option due to its lower calorie content, red wine is often considered better for your long-term health — with longevity expert Dan Buettner even identifying “moderate red wine consumption” as a Blue Zones secret.
But a new study published in the journal Nutrients is challenging this long-held belief.
Researchers analyzed 42 observational studies that included almost 96,000 participants and “found no differences in the association between red or white wine consumption and overall cancer risk, challenging the common belief that red wine is healthier than white wine.”
But before you celebrate with a nice glass of Chablis — there are a couple of important caveats.
Exception #1
First, the researchers noted that drinking white wine was, in fact, linked to a 22% increased risk of skin cancer.
While the exact cause of this correlation remains unclear, one theory that they posited was that white wine drinkers might engage in more risky behavior, such as indoor tanning or skimping on sunscreen.
That makes some sense, since white wine is often considered more of a daytime drink that’s better suited to hot weather — and research shows not wearing sunscreen while sunbathing at the pool or beach can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.
Exception #2
The researchers also uncorked an even more alarming result: Their conclusions only seem to apply to men.
“White wine intake was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer among women,” they said.
Red wine halo
This research is just the latest in a long line of studies examining the potential benefits of red wine. In the past, it’s been linked to better gut health, younger-looking skin and even increased fertility.
But while researchers in the twentieth century concluded that red wine is good for heart health, the claim has proven to be controversial — with many experts reversing course in the past 20 years.
Scientists behind one study published in 2006 came to the conclusion that earlier researchers had the cause and effect of alcohol consumption wrong.
“Our results suggest that light drinking is a sign of good health, and not necessarily its cause,” said Kaye M. Fillmore of the UC San Francisco School of Nursing, according to the New York Times.
In fact, there’s a growing body of research that suggests even moderate consumption of alcohol can increase your chances of developing cancer — with the risk being slightly higher for women than men.
This sobering news comes on the heels of the US surgeon general’s announcement that alcoholic beverages should come with a warning label, as they increase the risk of “at least seven types of cancer,” including breast, colon and liver.
Any type of alcohol consumption, including lower-ABV drinks like beer and wine, “is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity,” the statement read.
