Light Drinking Cuts Risk for Death, Heart Attack - Heart & Cardiovascular - MSN Health & Fitness

In 70-79 year olds without any heart problem, a study found that light to moderate drinkers (drinkers whom consumed from one to seven drinks a week) had a lower risk of cardiac arrest and death. Researchers don't really understand why the risk may be lower; some think it is due to anti-inflammatory and vaso-dilating properties of alcohol while others think it may be something else. Heavy drinking however, increases the risk of heart attacks and death.

In spite of the protective effect of alcohol found in this study, drinking is toxic to the stomach, the liver and the brain, so it is not recommend by doctors.

"If we didn't have alcohol in the world, our health would be better, not worse," Siegel said. "Overall, alcohol is very bad for us."