We have often been told by experts that a glass of wine a day can be good for our health.
But now the 'widespread notion' that drinking moderately can reduce the risk of heart disease has been challenged by the World Heart Federation (WHF).
Wine contains antioxidants, which have health benefits, but the WHF says studies suggesting the drink can be good for us are 'observational' – meaning they fail to take into account important factors.
For example, moderate drinkers appearing healthier than non-drinkers may be because the latter have had an alcohol problem.
Monika Arora, of the WHF, said: 'The portrayal of alcohol as necessary for a vibrant social life has diverted attention from the harms of alcohol use, as have the frequent claims that moderate drinking, such as a glass of red wine a day, can offer protection against cardiovascular disease.
The 'widespread notion' that drinking moderately can reduce the risk of heart disease has been challenged by the World Heart Federation (stock image)
'These claims are at best misinformed and at worst an attempt by the alcohol industry to mislead the public about the danger of their product.'
Matt Lambert, of the Portman Group drinks industry trade body, said: 'It is important not to exaggerate the risk of moderate drinking and unduly alarm responsible consumers who enjoy alcohol sensibly.'
Earlier this week, Professor Julia Sinclair, chair of the addictions faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, warned millions of Britons are causing themselves 'silent harm' through drinking too much.
People drink at home, failing to keep track of how much they are consuming, and encourage each other to have more, she said, adding: 'You get what I, as a psychiatrist, would call collusion.
'It's 'Should we open another bottle?'
'Yeah, let's open another bottle.'
Many people consider themselves to indulge only moderately in alcohol and the NHS says
