According to the Archives of Internal Medicine (subscription required to see more than the abstract), moderate alcohol consumption can lower the risk of heart disease.

This isn't the first study to find a link between moderate drinking and a reduced risk of heart disease, but it is unique in that it found a casual effect between alcohol consumption and heart disease (myocardial infarction). The study looked at more than 8800 men who were nonsmokers and otherwise lived healthy lifestyles.

Despite the benefits, alcohol consumption still needs to weighed against other factors. Obviously, you should never drink and drive. Alcohol also contains empty calories and must be factor into overall caloric intake. Plus, medications and other conditions could cause complications. Don't get us wrong, we like wine and beer, but we believe that moderation and prudence is required before having a drink.