Vintage health drink.

You've read reports about the health benefits of wine, but how much of it is true? More than 100 scientific reports since 1991 provide strong evidence that wine consumption prevents heart disease. But didn't some studies point to red wine over white? And wasn't there some suggestion that grape juice is just as beneficial?

Other research has linked alcohol with damage to the liver, pancreas, muscles, bones and--get this--the heart. Yet, 20 years of epidemiological studies have correlated alcohol consumption with longevity and a reduced risk of heart disease, hypertension, cancer, peptic ulcers, respiratory infections, gall stones, kidney stones, bone density and cognitive function. More recent reports indicate that wine improves memory, combats breast cancer and impotence and reduces the risk of a heart attack.

Honestly, it's enough to drive one to drink.

Now, we've reviewed the latest data and uncorked the facts about wine. You've heard of the French Paradox: The French eat 30 percent more fat than North Americans but suffer 40 percent fewer heart attacks. Evidence is compelling that French consumption of red wine with meals countermands their fatty diet.

But there are several paradoxes to consider. Alcohol brings both risks and benefits. According to the December 1996 issue of Circulation, alcohol-related diseases account for 100,000 deaths in the United States annually. However, if current US drinkers stopped drinking, heart disease-related deaths would increase by 80,000 a year.

And moderate alcohol consumption has been proven healthier than heavy drinking, light drinking-or not drinking at all.

The issue of exactly what's behind wine's health benefits may not be entirely settled. For instance, wine drinkers' lifestyles may be a factor. But still some generalizations can now be made.