Research suggests moderate consumption of red wine may help lower your risk of heart disease. In addition, phytochemicals found in the skin and the seeds of grapes used to make wine may help prevent several forms of cancer as they provide a variety of vitamins and minerals.

The research isn’t conclusive, so if you don’t drink, protecting your heart isn’t a reason to start. Alcohol will not provide heart disease prevention benefits if the rest of your eating plan is high in fat and calories.

Remember, other lifestyle habits -- such as healthful eating, regular exercise, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight -- offer your greatest protection against heart disease.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team