Alcohol in moderation seems to protect against heart disease. A recent study showed that moderate alcohol consumption led to a small increase in longevity. No more than 1 to 2 drinks per day should be consumed to get the beneficial effect of alcohol.
Nobody is completely sure why alcohol is protective.
It may be because it raises the level of good cholesterol in our blood. In the case of wine, it may be because wine contains antioxidant flavenoids and polyphenols which inhibit the develomant of atherosclerosis. It may also be due to the mild blood thinning effect that alcohol and flavenoids have. Flavenoids are also found in other alcoholic beverages such as dark beer. No one is advised to drink alcohol if they don't like it simply for medicinal purposes.