The health benefits of red wine are often discussed, with studies showing that it is healthy for the heart and circulatory system, digestion and more. Now, research has revealed that it may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women as well.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center conducted a study using 36 younger women. The group was told to drink eight ounces of cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay every day for a month, and then later to switch to a different type of wine for an additional month.

Researchers found a difference in the women during the two months.

“In red wine, the hormone levels, the estrogen levels decreased while the testosterone levels increased,” explained Dr. Chrisandra Shufelt. “And that may actually be a change for risk factors for breast cancer.”

She explained that the change in hormone patterns may indicate that red wine can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.