There is strong evidence that people who are moderate consumers of beer, wine or spirits have a substantially (30-40%) reduced risk of coronary heart disease when compared to heavy drinkers. Similar results have been shown by many studies throughout the world. The WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol (2004) describes this as the “most important health benefit of alcohol”7.
This reduction in risk (associated with consumption of one to a little over two drinks a day) is on a par with preventive measures such as the use of aspirin, weight control and exercise8.