Exercise + Alcohol = Good for Heart Health

Moderate drinking may help you live longer, according to a new study by Danish researchers. Scientists followed 12,000 participants for 20 years and found that, regardless of how much they exercised, those who drank in moderation were about 30% less likely to develop heart disease than teetotalers. Physically active drinkers saw 50% less risk than non-active non-drinkers.

Previous research has suggested that alcohol might thin the blood, making it easier for the heart to pump, or increase the levels of good cholesterol. Although a combination of exercise and moderate drinking "appears to be a winning one" for heart health, one cardiac nurse says, "drinking too much starts to outweigh the benefits of alcohol intake and can increase your blood pressure." (More heart stories.)