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Whiskey: An Antidote For Cancer? |
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by:Charlene J. Nuble |
Some scientists believe that whiskey may be
one of the keys to preventing the Big C
For a quite a number of years, liquor has been known not only to bring
destructive intoxication and addiction upon its patrons, but also as
deterrent to a healthy lifestyle. But as a potential weapon against
cancer? Sounds controversial.
Rumors that single malt whiskey may be a tool to combat cancer have
begun circulating recently. Whether it actually holds any water has yet
to be proven. According to one of the theory’s proponents, a consultant
to the whiskey industry, Dr. Jim Swan, the antioxidants present in
whiskey, particularly ellagic acid, can reduce the risk of developing
cancer, since this acid fights the unstable atoms that aid in rapid
cell replication. He added that the more cells were produced, the more
likely that rogue cancer cells will be born. “Whiskey can protect you
from cancer and science proves it,” he said, speaking at the EuroMedLab
2005 conference in Glasgow. Dr Swan explained that ellagic acid, which
is in greater concentration in whiskey than in red wine, breaks down
the harmful free radicals present in our body.
However, Cancer Research UK remains unconvinced. The agency has raised
concerns that what Dr Swan and his supporters are pushing might mislead
consumers into drinking excessive amounts of whiskey just to avoid
cancer. Cancer Research noted that liquor intake can eventually lead to
certain kinds of cancer, such as those in the esophagus, throat, mouth,
bowel and liver. Dr Swan’s idea that whiskey can prevent cancer also
received criticism, owing mostly to an absence of population data
supporting them. Contrariwise, according to the agency’s head of cancer
information Lesley Walker, there exists evidence that high alcohol
consumption does increase cancer risks. Ms Walker noted that while
ellagic acid is a formidable antioxidant and may greatly aid in the
fight against cancer, its presence in whiskey is not reason enough for
people to begin drinking up, especially as ellagic acid can also be
found in certain fruits.
The concept that a certain type of alcohol may help deter cancer is
novel and, for frequent drinkers, even noble. What liquor patron would
ignore this theory? But, still, Dr Swan’s ideas remain untested and
there does not exist any known positive link between whiskey and
cancer. If there would be something that suggest this is true sometime
in the future, then it will be considered revolutionary. However, in
the absence of adequate information at present, whiskey as a deterrent
to cancer is a dubious thought. While we all hope and pray that an
alternative treatment to cancer will surface soon, this is probably not
the time to become this optimistic about whiskey’s alleged benefits.
About the author:
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about
cancer, please go to: http://cancer.besthealthlink.net/or
for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
Circulated by Article Emporium
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