It's a controversial but hot topic: that imbibing can be good for you. Some scientists are attributing moderate consumption of alcohol to improving health risks such as heart attacks and late-onset diabetes. Hmmm...could this be true, or is it simply something people want to hear? After all, a frosty margarita certainly sounds better than exercising to many people.

Welcome to the confused and contradictory world of alcohol research. Much has been made over the past two decades of studies that suggest alcohol, particularly red wine, carries some health benefits if consumed moderately by persons of a certain age.

The mainstream media has been quick to jump on these reports, just as the general public has embraced the whole idea that not only can you enjoy a tipple, but you are also looking after your health.

But is that really the case?

Many experts remain unconvinced:

But Paul Dillon, the information manager with the National Drug and Alcohol Research centre at the University of NSW, is not convinced.

"The general public has been conned by the alcohol industry into believing that it has a whole pile of medical benefits," he says.

"When you drink in moderation there are some medical benefits, but they don't come into play until you hit your mid-40s, and those same benefits can be achieved by doing other things, such as getting proper amounts of sleep and exercise and eating well.

"On the pro side of alcohol: it is enjoyable sitting down to watch TV with a glass of red rather than running around the block and eating low-fat food. Research is showing that the positives really feed into what general public want to hear - it justifies their own drug use."

What do you think? Alcohol: justly respected, or simply a justification?

(Photo Source: Danisco)