Evaluation of Red Wine Consumption in the Context of the Mediterranean Diet - A Systematic Literature Analysis

Background In several studies, the Mediterranean diet (MedD) showed a preventive effect on type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and malignancies. Within the MedD, moderate consumption of wine, especially red wine, is generally recommended, which itself has been attributed to a cardioprotective effect. However, numerous studies show that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of cancer. In the present work, we present an overview of the current data on the relationship between alcohol consumption in the context of a MedD, cancer risk, and the risk of cardiovascular disease. Methods By means of a systematic literature research in the databases PubMed and Scopus, the keywords diet, Mediterranean and alcohol drinking were searched. The precondition was that information on the type and amount of alcohol consumed as part of a MedD was available. Results The implementation of the MedD can reduce both the risk of cardiometabolic diseases and the risk of several cancer entities, including breast cancer. Moderate alcohol consumption has protective effects on the cardiovascular system but also shows pro-cancerogenic effects. Many studies describe an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer incidence, but the results between the studies were not consistent. Overall, studies show that the daily glass of red wine as the predominant alcoholic beverage in the Mediterranean region has a risk-reducing effect. Conclusion According to the present systematic literature research, moderate consumption of red wine has, unlike other alcoholic beverages, a protective effect on cardiometabolic diseases and possibly also on hereditary breast cancer, whereas the consumption of other alcoholic beverages may reduce the protective effects of a MedD.