The occasional drink can help prevent strokes, according to a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

The study tracked 83,578 women over 26 years and found that those who consumed a moderate amount of alcohol had a lower risk of stroke. Say what?!?

It turns out, moderate alcohol consumption can prevent blood clots and cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Strokes can be caused by a number of blood pressure illnesses. If you fall and scrape your knee, your body will form blood clots so you won’t continue to bleed long after the fall. However, dangerous blood clots occur around your heart which will block arteries. Arteries supply blood to your brain, and when they become clogged with fatty deposits and cholesterol, blood clots will form in the vessel walls, causing a stroke. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a main concern in stroke incidents because of hemorrhaging, or when bleeding occurs within the brain vessel itself.

But make sure your alcohol consumption is actually moderate. Overdo it and you could actually increase your risk of stroke. Researchers suggest having one drink per day. And no, one fish bowl doesn’t count as one drink. One drink equals a four-ounce glass of wine, a 12-ounce can of beer, or 1 to 1 ½ ounces of 100- or 80-proof spirits, respectively.

Also, make sure your drink of choice isn’t a fat-bomb like a sugary margarita.

Here are our favorite healthy alcoholic drinks:
Look Better Naked Cocktails | Four low-cal cocktails that can actually help you burn fat!
The Best Light Beers | These 10 beers won’t give you a beer belly.
Fruity Cocktails | These cocktails are packed with fruits and good-for-you ingredients.
Chocolate Cocktails | These drinks are good for your body and your taste buds.

More on Alcohol from WH:
Alcohol and Weight Loss
Exercise and Alcohol
Nutrition Labels on Alcohol

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