Researchers followed more than 9,100 adults from the UK aged between 23 and 55.

Axar.az reports citing the Daily Mail.

They found that moderate drinkers - defined as those who had up to two alcoholic beverages a day - had a lower risk of heart disease than nondrinkers.

Yet, this was not the case when the researchers analysed the drinking habits of younger people - aged 55 or less - and then followed them to an older age when they are more at-risk of heart disease.

The researchers argue that while past studies suggest nondrinkers are less healthy than those who drink moderately, this is likely due to our health influencing our drinking habits, resulting in people with poor health choosing to abstain.

Dr Stockwell, said: 'We know that people generally cut down on drinking as they age, especially if they have health problems.

'People who continue to be moderate drinkers later in life are healthier.

'They're not sick, or taking medications that can interact with alcohol.

'We can't "prove" it one way or the other. But we can say there are grounds for a healthy skepticism around the idea that moderate drinking is good for you.'

The researchers also revealed that people's drinking habits change over time, with few people typically being lifelong alcohol abstainers.

Their results also showed than nondrinkers of any age tend to be in poorer physical and mental health compared to those who drink moderately and do not smoke. They are also typically less educated, which is an important factor in lifetime health, the researchers said.