Researchers have linked the “Asian glow” to a variety of diseases such as cancer.⁠ ⁠ There are approximately 560 million people, or about 8% of the global population, who carry the mutation known as ALDH2*2. This genetic variant is most prevalent in individuals of East Asian descent, leading to the phenomenon to be commonly referred to as the “Asian glow” or “Asian flush.” ⁠ ⁠ There are reportedly around 45% of East Asians who experience "Asian glow" when consuming alcohol, leading some to use antihistamines, while others completely avoid alcohol. ⁠ ⁠ In a study led by Stanford Medicine and published on Jan. 25, researchers found that those with ALDH2*2 have much less defense against acetaldehyde, which can reportedly accumulate and cause harm such as liver damage, increased cancer risk and vascular dysfunction. ⁠ ⁠ The ALDH2*2 mutation significantly raises the risk of various conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and esophageal cancer. Even moderate alcohol consumpt...