Moderate drinkers tend to have better health and live longer than those who are either abstainers or heavy drinkers. They are generally less likely to suffer heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, arthritis, enlarged prostate, dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), and several major cancers.

“Beer specifically has been associated with additional health outcomes, including lowering the risk of kidney stones in men compared to other alcoholic beverages, possibly due to its high water content and diuretic effect,” Giancoli said. “Compounds in hops may also slow the release of calcium from bone that is implicated in kidney stones. Additionally, beer drinkers seem to have a more protective effect towards greater bone mineral density due to the high content of silicone in beer.”

New study carried out by boffins in Scandinavia. Results: Moderate wine consumption was independently associated with better performance on all cognitive tests in both men and women. While alcohol absence was associated with lower cognitive performance in women.