Alcohol. Research suggests that resveratrol—found in small quantities in red wine and grapes—may protect against a range of illnesses including heart disease. But moderate consumption of other types of alcohol, such as beer, may also have health benefits, probably by way of increasing HDL ("good") cholesterol. The key is not to overindulge, according to the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH). That's because heavy drinking can damage your liver and heart, contribute to depression, and increase the risk of developing some cancers. So women should have no more than one drink per day, and men should have no more than two. Of course, if you don't drink already, you don't need to start. You can get similar cardiovascular benefits from exercise and a healthy diet, the HSPH notes.
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