The Perfect Corona Companion: Beer, Not Virus

Drinking alcohol has been linked to six types of cancer, including certain types of head and neck cancer, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and breast, colorectal, liver and stomach cancers. According to the Cancer Progress Report 2024 from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), more than 5% of all cancer cases are caused by drinking alcohol. The report also suggests that limiting or eliminating alcohol can reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%. While there has been a lot of back and forth about whether alcohol is harmful, it is important to note that alcohol ingestion is one of the modifiable risk factors for cancer.

Can I drink Corona beer?

Corona beer is the most popular in the US, especially in the South

Corona beer is a Mexican beer that is enjoyed by many across the globe. It is the top-selling imported beer in the United States, with a brand awareness of 91% among US beer drinkers. It is consumed by over 30% of beer drinkers in the country and has been the top-selling imported drink since 1998.

Corona's popularity in the US can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the reduction of tariffs on the import of Mexican beer to the United States with NAFTA coming into effect in 1994, along with increased immigration between the two countries, contributed to its growing popularity. Additionally, effective branding and marketing strategies have played a significant role in its success. Corona's commercials often feature beach settings, aligning with its "Find Your Beach" tagline, which has resonated with consumers.

While Corona is widely popular across the US, it holds a particularly strong presence in the South. States like Alabama, Florida, and Georgia have shown a preference for this Mexican beer. On the West Coast, Corona is also a dominant choice, along with another Mexican beer, Modelo.

The brand's most popular variation is Corona Extra, a pale lager, followed by other variants like Corona Light, Corona Premier, and Corona Familiar. Corona is often served with a wedge of lime or lemon, adding a touch of tartness and flavor to the beverage. Its recipe includes corn, barley malt, hops, yeast, antioxidants, and propylene glycol alginate as a stabilizer.

Alcohol is linked to six types of cancer

It is generally safe to drink Corona beer, or any other alcoholic beverage, as long as it is consumed in moderation. Moderate alcohol use is defined as one drink or less in one day for women, and two drinks or fewer per day for men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it is important to note that even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers.

According to the Cancer Progress Report 2024 from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), more than 5% of all cancer cases are attributed to drinking alcohol. This makes alcohol the third biggest modifiable risk factor for cancer, after obesity and cigarette smoking. The report also states that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk for six different types of cancer:

• Certain types of head and neck cancer
• Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Stomach cancer

Furthermore, research shows that drinking alcohol at an early age can increase the risk of cancer later in life. The AACR recommends limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing alcohol-related cancers by 8% and the risk of all cancers by 4%.

The negative health impacts of alcohol are well-known, and it is considered a toxin that affects multiple organs, starting with the brain and working its way down to the colorectal system. Alcohol use can also have immediate effects on the body, such as impacting sleep, cognition, coordination, and emotional regulation. As such, it is important to be mindful of alcohol consumption and to drink less or abstain if possible.

There is no 'safe' level of beer consumption

While a cold Corona beer may be tempting, it is important to remember that there is no safe level of beer consumption. Alcohol is a toxic, psychoactive, and dependence-producing substance, and there is no threshold at which its carcinogenic effects do not impact health. Even low levels of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of certain cancers and other health issues.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a statement in The Lancet Public Health, clarifying that any amount of alcohol consumption affects health. This is supported by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction's 2023 guidance, which states that the safest amount of alcohol to drink is none. This shift in guidance reflects the growing body of research highlighting the risks associated with alcohol use.

Alcohol is a known human carcinogen and has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It causes at least seven types of cancer, including common cancer types such as bowel cancer and female breast cancer. The risk of developing cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed, but even "light" and "moderate" drinking can cause half of all alcohol-attributable cancers. This drinking pattern is prevalent in Europe and is responsible for the majority of alcohol-related breast cancers in women.

The link between alcohol and cancer is not widely known, and public awareness campaigns are needed to educate people about the risks. Health professionals also have a role in informing their patients about the dangers of alcohol consumption. It is important to note that the risks associated with alcohol use vary from person to person, depending on factors such as demographics, overall health, lifestyle choices, and genetic predispositions. However, the only way to completely avoid the risks associated with alcohol is to abstain from drinking.

While it may be challenging to issue blanket recommendations, the current research indicates that the less alcohol consumed, the better. For those who choose to drink, it is essential to follow guidelines and limit intake. In the United States, the Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men. However, it is important to note that these guidelines do not eliminate risks, and drinking less is always better for health.

Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink or less per day for women

The amount of alcohol considered moderate consumption varies between men and women. For women, moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink or less per day. This is because women's bodies have less water, weigh less, and have lower levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) than men's bodies. ADH is the chemical that breaks down alcohol in the liver. As a result, alcohol remains in a woman's system longer and accumulates faster.

The definition of moderate alcohol consumption is important because it helps individuals make informed decisions about their drinking habits. Drinking in moderation is generally considered safer and less likely to lead to adverse health effects. According to experts, there is no safe level of alcohol consumption, and drinking less is always better for one's health.

In the context of beer, a "drink" is typically defined as 12 fluid ounces (fl oz) of regular beer with an alcohol content of around 5%. It's important to note that many craft beers have a higher alcohol content, so the amount considered "moderate" may vary. Additionally, different types of beer, such as malt liquor or distilled spirits, may have a higher alcohol content and therefore contribute more to an individual's overall alcohol intake.

While moderate alcohol consumption may be considered safer, it is not risk-free. Even low levels of alcohol consumption, such as less than one drink per day, have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, alcohol consumption has been associated with cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, liver, esophagus, voice box, throat, mouth, and possibly the pancreas. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risks associated with alcohol consumption and make informed decisions based on that knowledge.

Additionally, certain individuals should avoid alcohol completely, including those who are pregnant, plan to drive or operate machinery, take certain medications, or have specific medical conditions. It is always important to drink responsibly and ensure that alcohol consumption does not negatively impact one's health, safety, or well-being.

Alcohol is a toxin that impacts multiple organs

Alcohol interferes with the brain's communication pathways, affecting mood, behaviour, and coordination. It also causes brain atrophy by speeding up the death of neurons, leading to reduced cognitive function and problems with memory, concentration, and executive functioning.

Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, leading to inflammation and problems such as steatosis or fatty liver. The liver is responsible for breaking down alcohol, which produces the toxic intermediate metabolite acetaldehyde, which damages DNA and can lead to cancer.

Drinking a lot over a long period or excessively on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing issues like cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and high blood pressure.

Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation that causes swelling, pain, and impairs the pancreas's ability to produce enzymes and hormones for proper digestion.

Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer. It does so by producing acetaldehyde, a carcinogen that damages DNA and impairs cells' ability to repair themselves.

In summary, alcohol's toxic effects on multiple organs can lead to short- and long-term health consequences, including an increased risk of cancer, insomnia, fertility issues, and negative impacts on mental health and brain function.

Frequently asked questions