Alcohol’s role in providing heart-protective benefits is a controversial topic. According to a 2020 review of studies, some research indicates that when consumed in moderation, alcoholic drinks can increase good HDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the AHA disagree. The AHA does not recommend drinking wine or any other alcoholic beverage specifically to lower your cholesterol or improve heart health. Both organizations say there is no credible research linking alcohol and improved heart health.
If you drink, the CDC suggests you consume only two drinks per day for males or one drink per day for females on days that you drink.