Drinking in moderation does not improve your health after all, experts have warned.

Previous research had suggested small amounts of alcohol could protect against heart disease and reduce the risk of premature death.

But a study published in the British Medical Journal found these claims may have been ­exaggerated.

The only people who might benefit from alcohol are women over 65 – and even then, the advantages are minimal.

Heavy drinking has been linked to more than 200 acute and chronic conditions, with estimated costs of up to £55billion a year in England alone.

Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “There are safer and healthier ways to protect your heart – such as more physical activity, a balanced diet and stopping smoking.”