This year  I have been blogging about 4 Key Health Habits one of which is drinking alcohol in moderation only.  I enjoy a glass of wine with dinner a few nights each week.  I especially like red wine with a red sauce pasta. There is some research that shows moderate alcohol use has some possible health benefits.

Moderate alcohol consumption may:

• Reduce your risk of developing and dying from heart disease
• Possibly reduce your risk of ischemic stroke (when the arteries to your brain become narrowed or blocked, causing severely reduced blood flow)
• Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes

However, the health benefits of alcohol are not certain.  Alcohol may not benefit everyone who drinks. Moderate alcohol use may be of most benefit if you have existing risk factors for heart disease. You can take other steps, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising to improve your heart health.

Keep in mind that even moderate use isn’t risk-free. For example, drinking and driving is never a good idea.

From Mayo Clinic-Healthy Lifestyle