Health security

How a daily glass of wine helps to protect the heart and can cut the risk of an early death by up to a fifth

Drinking a glass of wine or a bottle of beer a night could slash your risk of an early death by a fifth.

Moderate drinking – defined as up to seven drinks a week for women and 14 for men – significantly cuts the risk of dying from heart disease and other problems, a study has found.

The research, conducted among more than 300,000 Americans, directly contradicts official guidance published by the British chief medical officer.