Yet Another Wine-Winning Reason to Drink Up

Wine sure has been getting props lately for all its health benefits. Well, you can add one more to the list! According to new research, as little as one glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of Barrett’s Esophagus, a disease of the esophagus that often a precursor to esophageal cancer. Let’s take a look at the details of this recent discovery. . .


According to a new study performed by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research (and which appeared in the March issue of Gastroenterology), a glass of wine a day can reduce the risk of Barrett’s Esophagus, which is often a precursor to esophageal cancer. The study indicated that those who drank a glass of wine per day reduced their risk of this cancer by 56 percent. 

Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the nation. In the past 30 years, the cases of this cancer have jumped nearly 500 percent. It is estimated that five percent of the population is affected with Barrett’s Esophagus, a condition that is marked by acid reflux disorder or constant heartburn. This causes damage to the esophageal lining. Experts estimate that people who have Barrett’s Esophagus have a 30 to 40 percent greater chance of developing esophageal cancer as the Barrett’s cells can turn cancerous. 

Most people find out that they have Barrett’s Esophagus when they develop anemia due to bleeding ulcers in the esophagus. There is no cure for this condition as of yet. The new study was the first to make a connection between alcohol consumption and the risk of developing Barrett’s Esophagus. The study was conducted between 2002 and 2005 and included 953 men and women in the Northern California area. Those who drank one or more glasses per day of wine, either red or white, were found to have a reduced chance of developing the condition. The study also looked at beer and other alcohol, but did not find any link of reduction. 

Many in the medical community are alarmed at the skyrocketing cases of esophageal cancer as well as the precursor, Barrett’s Esophagus. As such, researchers at the Kaiser Permanente are actively working towards ways to lower the risk of esophageal cancer in men and women. 

Since the original study, subsequent studies have been performed to investigate the link between Barrett’s Esophagus and wine consumption, and have also indicated the same pattern. Australian and Irish researchers also found that individuals who drank wine lowered their risk of esophageal cancer. Many in the medical community theorize that the antioxidants that are contained in wine have a role in fighting the condition. Another theory is that those who drink wine often do so with dinner, and may eliminate some of the risk that alcohol can have on the esophageal lining because they are ingesting the alcohol with food.

Studies are still being performed on the effects of wine with regard to Barrett’s Esophagus and esophageal cancer. While no study was conclusive as to why wine can lower the risk of the condition, experts are interested in learning the effects of antioxidants in preventing this condition. Doctors continue to study this cancer that is rising at an alarming rate and look for answers as to what type of healthy behavior can prevent someone from developing Barrett’s Esophagus.

One thing seems certain . . . in addition to all of the other health benefits of wine, you now have one more reason to drink up!