‘Moderate drinking better for heart than abstinence’

INDIVIDUALS who drink alcohol in moderation (about one drink a day or less) are less likely to develop heart disease than those who drink no alcohol at all, according to a study published today.

Those who drink a small amount are 14-25% less likely to develop the condition than non- drinkers, the research led by Prof William Ghali from the University of Calgary in Canada found.

A paper led by Dr Susan Brien, also from the University of Calgary, found moderate consumption of alcohol (up to one drink or 15g alcohol a day for women and up to two drinks or 30g alcohol a day for men) is good for health.