Wine is a good tonic ...

Seeking solace in alcohol at the end of a hard day, far from being the road to ruin, is just what the doctor ordered.

Dr Peter Crouch, of Taw Hill Surgery, Abbey Meads explained: "Some of my patients proudly tell me they do not drink any units of alcohol a week.

"And I often advise them that it would be a good idea for them to increase their alcohol intake.

"It is something that many GPs are advising. Many of my patients have hectic lifestyles and lead very busy lives. Having a drink is a good way of forgetting about the troubles of the day."

He explained that a small amount of alcohol, such as a couple of glasses of wine or a gin and tonic, has the positive effect of reducing blood pressure and therefore lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer, because it is not immediately noticeable. If it is not treated, it can also lead to kidney and liver damage.

Dr Crouch added: "I'm not talking about people drinking to excess, but if you are not planning to drive, I recommend a drink is a good way to unwind."

Dr Kandy Kandiah of Sparcells Surgery agreed: "The protective effect of alcohol has been known about for a while. Red wine is especially good because it has high levels of flavanoids, an anti oxidant which helps mop up chemicals responsible for clotting the blood an causing heart attacks.

"There has been a lot of research to show that tea also contains these chemicals and has a similar protective effect."

In July, the Evening Advertiser reported how a consultant cardiologist at Swindon's Great Western Hosptital, Dr William McCrea, is prescribing two glasses of red wine a day for his patients a measure he reckons can reduce the risk of heart attack by 20 per cent. His radical approach is thought to be the first such exercise in a European hospital. Moderate alcohol is one way to help lower blood pressure.

Doctors also advise cutting down on salt, avoid becoming overweight, reduce fat intake and take exercise.