Alcohol Bad; Coconut Oil, Good by Mrs Vera West

There is good news, and there is bad news. The bad news first. In a study of studies (known as a “meta-study”) Jennie Connor, “Alcohol Consumption as a Cause of Cancer,” Addiction, July 21, 2016, presented a summary of the data about alcohol consumption and cancer. It was found that alcohol causes oropharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, rectum and breast cancer. There is evidence for some reduction in risk, when alcohol consumption ceases, of laryngeal, pharyngeal and liver cancers, but it is bad news for the rest.

It is estimated that alcohol-attributed cancers make up 5.8 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide – and growing. Even moderate to light drinking is a cancer risk, especially in women. There is a significant increased risk of breast cancer from even one drink a day.

What about the reported claims of protection from cardiovascular disease from moderate drinking? You know, this is the favourite claim of those liking a good red with their evening meal. Conner advances a methodological critique of these studies. Some studies rely upon self-reports of alcohol consumption, and these studies are likely to be biased because such self-reports typically under-estimate alcohol consumption. There may also be statistical biases created through a misclassification of the abstainer reference group, including former drinkers and occasional drinkers.

That is, of course, bad news. But the good news is that once one stops drinking there are many anti-cancer nutrients that can be taken. Coconut oil is a surprising superfood, and a summary of studies about its health benefits, in terms ordinary people can understand can be found at http://www.wakingtimes.com/2014/12/11/overwhelming-health-benefits-coconut-oil/

Although high in fat, coconut oil has 50 percent of its fats in lauric acid, which the body converts into mono-laurin, which has anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-protozoa properties. Coconut oil can help with chronic inflammation, regulate blood pressure, and even in dental care with oiling. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties also help in the war against cancer.

Organic coconut oil can be got at the supermarket for about $12. I don’t know what a “good” bottle of wine costs, but I do know the health costs.