Moderate Drinkers 'Healthier Than Teetotallers'

People who drink in moderation tend to be healthier and more successful than both heavy drinkers and people who abstain from booze completely, according to a wide-ranging French study. The researchers warn, however, that you can't drink your way to health and success. The findings, they say, indicate that people who control their drinking are likelier to come from higher socio-economic groups and are more inclined to exercise and generally look after their health.

The findings don't support theories which hold that moderate alcohol consumption—defined as two or three glasses of wine a day—actually improves health, the Telegraph reports. "Moderate alcohol intake is a powerful marker of a higher social level, superior general health status and lower cardiovascular risk," said the lead researcher, noting that moderate and light drinkers tended to have lower levels of stress, obesity, and depression.
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