Alcohol, diet and their interaction in colorectal and urinary tract tumors

ANDREATTA MM; EYNARD, ALDO R; NAVARRO A

Alcohol, Nutrition, and Health Consequences

Nueva York, EEUU

Año: 2012; p. 429 - 439

Since the intoxicating effects of the fermented products of plant foods were discovered – probably in the Paleolithic or even at earlier times – alcoholic drinks have been largely consumed by humans [1]. Ancient records and art from Babylon, Mesopotamia and Egypt, and other early civilizations indicate that the use of alcohol as a beverage, medicine, and ceremonial drink was common [2]. Alcoholic beverages have been some of the few socially and legally permissible drugs in most societies – except for Muslims – and its use has even been recommended as a food or “tonic” for the sick and the children [3]. However, it is important to take into account that nowadays, about 21 % all deaths worldwide from disease or trauma are attributable to alcoholic drink abuse [4].