ALCOHOL IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET

Alcohol consumption clearly reduces risk of cardiovascular disease (CV D) in populations throughout the world and may contribute to lower rat es of CVD among residents of Mediterranean countries. In addition, ove rall mortality rates are generally slightly lower among moderate drink ers than among abstainers. However, several studies have linked alcoho l consumption (even amounts equivalent to two drinks daily) to increas ed rates for certain cancers, especially breast cancer in women. A Med iterranean diet, which is high in fruit, vegetables, and grains, also typically includes one to two drinks per day. Whether one to two drink s adversely affect cancer incidence in the presence of a Mediterranean diet has not been fully explored. With the evidence currently availab le, we conclude that alcohol, when consumed responsibly in most popula tions, is an important component of the Mediterranean diet and a compo nent of a healthy lifestyle.