A new study by researchers at Harvard found that healthy women who drank moderate amounts of alchohol during middle age has a 20% higher chance of being in good overall health as seniors compared to those who didn't drink.
Howver, consuming alchohol also comes with health risks.
The study looked at almost 14,000 women in their mid to late 50's to see how their health fared if they drank up to one drink a day.
That's defined as no more than 4 oz. of wine, or 12 oz. of beer, or a mixed drink with one shot of liquor.
The participants were considered healthy if at age 70 they were free from chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease, were mentally sharp, in OK physical shape, and had no mental health issues.
Previous research has shown that consuming moderate amounts of alchohol in middle age may lower the risk for heart disease in both men and women because it can raise levels of good cholesterol.
Experts say women who drink two or more drinks a day increase their risk for breast cancer.
Heavy drinking has also been tied to other cancers, liver disease, increases in blood pressume and damage to the heart.
If you do not drink, researches say there is no reason to start.
