Research continues to show that light to moderate drinking is healthful for men. There is some research that indicates that for women it may not be as beneficial. Below is an excerpt from a continuing education article from the Medscape site. They had this to say:

May 8, 2009 — Drinking up to half a glass of wine daily may increase longevity by 5 years in men, but more studies are needed, according to the results of a study reported online first in the April 30 issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

"Light to moderate alcohol intake lowers the risk of cardiovascular mortality, but whether this protective effect can be attributed to a specific type of beverage remains unclear," write M.T. Streppel, from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands, and colleagues. "Moreover, little is known about the effects of long-term alcohol intake on life expectancy."

They also reported:

"Long-term light alcohol intake lowered cardiovascular and all-cause mortality risk and increased life expectancy," the study authors write. "Light wine consumption was associated with 5 years longer life expectancy; however, more studies are needed to verify this result."

Sadly for the women the New England Journal of Medicine reported an increased risk of breast cancer:

BACKGROUND. Studies in men suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol intake is associated with a reduction in overall mortality, due primarily to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Among women with similar levels of alcohol consumption, an increased risk of breast cancer has been noted that complicates the balance of risks and benefits.

Happily, however the Journal of Molecular Cancer Therapeutics may have a remedy:

Good news for women who love chocolate — new research has shown how an ingredient found in cocoa seems to exert anti-cancer properties on breast cancer cells.

The study, by researchers from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University in Washington, is published in the April 2005 issue of the journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics.

It is always good to know that somethings in moderation are actually good for you.

Enjoy life or you may not want to live longer.

Cheers!