That glass of wine with dinner might do more for you than take the edge off a long day. Check out these possible health benefits of drinking in moderation by clicking through the WebMD slideshow. For millions of people, alcohol is a regular part of their lives. But there are many downsides to drinking - some familiar, others less well appreciated. And concerns about the risks of even moderate drinking are on the rise. Drinking alcohol is associated with risks of developing noncommunicable diseases such as liver diseases, heart diseases, and different types of cancers, as well as mental health and behavioural conditions such as depression, anxiety and alcohol use disorders. Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination. Drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of stroke. Dr. Sengupta shares some of the not-so-obvious effects that alcohol has on your body. Your liver detoxifies and removes alcohol from your blood through a process known as oxidation. When your liver finishes that process, alcohol gets turned into water and carbon dioxide. Drinking is the act of ingesting water or other liquids into the body through the mouth, proboscis, or elsewhere. Humans drink by swallowing, completed by peristalsis in the esophagus. The physiological processes of drinking vary widely among other animals. A recent study has shown that even moderate drinking can increase your risk for 20 different health outcomes, especially certain cancers. Experts warn that no amount of alcohol is safe for health. Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. You can lower your health risks by drinking less or choosing not to drink. Your liver can only process small amounts of alcohol. The rest of the alcohol can harm your liver and other organs as it moves through the body. The alcohol industry has criticized the research, which found that even light drinking increases the risk of premature death. When it comes to alcohol, if you don't drink, don't start for health reasons. Drinking moderately if you're otherwise healthy may be a risk you're willing to take. But heavy drinking carries a much higher risk even for those without other health concerns. Be sure to ask your healthcare professional about what's right for your health and safety.