We've heard that moderate red wine consumption can be good for the heart. Scientists started using the phrase, French Paradox, after observing how French people regularly drink red wine and eat Croque-Monsieurs, seemingly with impunity.

A new study, though, shows that the positive impact of red wine is limited to one glass at a time. Any more servings than that reverses any health benefits.

The study goes on to show that a glass of any alcoholic beverage has the same benefits as red wine. (Mon dieu!)

Researchers at Toronto General Hospital break it down for us: One drink of any alcoholic beverage expands the blood vessels and reduces the work the heart has to do.

Having two drinks, though, begins to stress the body, the researchers said. Blood flow increases, but the blood vessels' ability to expand becomes impaired.

(In case you were wondering, the 13 people in the study – published in this month's American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology – were served moderately priced pinot noir and some unspecified spirits.)

A toast to our hair stylists! Ok, now, sip slowly.

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