Scientists believe drinking up to half a glass of wine a day may enhance mens life expectancy by five years.
The Dutch authors of an article published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health reached this conclusion based on a long-term study involving 1,373 men who were repeatedly monitored between 1960 and 2000.
The researchers looked at how much alcohol and what type the men drank, and they also tracked their weight and diet, smoking habits and overall health.
The study found that light (up to 20 g a day) long term alcohol consumption of all types extended life by around two years compared with no alcohol at all. Extended life expectancy was slightly less for those who drank more than 20 g.
Furthermore, the men who drank only wine, and less than half a glass a day, lived around 2.5 years longer than those who drank beer and spirits, and almost five years longer than those who drank no alcohol at all.
The scientist concluded that drinking wine was strongly associated with a lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and death from all causes.
Those who want to boost their heart health may also benefit from lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and exercise as well as nutritional supplements that include niacin and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil that naturally lower cholesterol levels. 