Alcohol has been associated with a lot of health problems, but according to a new study featured on Science Daily, it may not be the drink that’s the issue, but the amount that people take in. Apparently, moderate amounts of wine may actually lower your risk of depression.

Researchers from the University of Navarra in Spain studied the alcohol consumption, mental and physical health, and lifestyles of 5,500 light-to-moderate drinkers between 55 and 80 years old for seven years.

Based on their findings, the participants who drank approximately two to seven glasses per week were least likely to fall to depression. Experts believe that some of wine’s non-alcoholic compounds like resveratrol may have positive effects in certain parts of the brain.

“Lower amounts of alcohol intake might exert protection in a similar way to what has been observed for coronary heart disease. In fact, it is believed that depression and coronary heart disease share some common disease mechanisms,” senior author Professor Miguel A. Martínez-González explains.

So why not have a glass of wine every day or share one with a friend? Drinking just enough wine may do your mind and body good.

(Photo by Uncalno Tekno via Flickr Creative Commons)