[Uncle Miltie]

The study included every sort of death, including that of death while driving drunk. The ameliorative effects of two glasses a day on the heart overcome the relatively low incidence of drunk driving deaths at that level.

Interestingly, death increases at four drinks per day, compared to the tea-totaller. So, 1-3 per day leads to longer life, and two is optimal.

Ceteris paribus; If you're liver damaged by hepatitis already, not drinking is probably a good idea.

[aristeides]

Family history also matters. My family has suffered far more from heart disease (prevented by alcohol) than from cancer (promoted by alcohol).

If you look at the incidences, I think you will find that circulatory disorders are far more common than liver disorders, and are thus a much more significant consideration in deciding what to do.