“Wine and other spirits are actually associated with a better long-term prognosis in adults. Longevity is increased with moderate use of alcoholic beverages of all types,” says Rubenfire.

In particular, wine seems is a good choice because of its high antioxidant content. “Moderate use of wine is pretty well demonstrated to be healthy for us, and of course makes us feel good,” he says.

Alcoholic beverages increase the amount of the “good” cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins – HDL cholesterol – in the blood.

“All alcohols produce them to a similar degree. As you raise the levels of HDL cholesterol, the risk of heart attacks and strokes can decrease,” says Rubenfire.

Still, drinking alcoholic beverages should be done in moderation. To reap the benefits, limit your intake to an average of one serving per day for women and two per day for men. A serving is equal to:

•12 ounces of beer
•4 ounces of wine
•1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits
•1 ounce of 100-proof spirits

Drinking to excess can counteract the positive effects of alcohol and actually increase the risk of accidental deaths, alcoholism, liver disease (including cirrhosis), obesity, stroke, some cancers, high blood pressure, heart muscle disease, fetal alcohol syndrome, irregular heart beat and even sudden death.

According to a study published by the American Heart Association, drinking an average of three or more alcoholic beverages per day over the long-term is associated with these increased risks. Alcohol use should not be viewed as a way to prevent or treat heart and vascular disease and should be avoided during pregnancy. 

 Other news