Drinking for your health is one thing, however, heavy drinkers are at risk to develop stroke 15 years earlier than their non-drinking counterparts.

The study found that on average, heavy drinkers who experienced a stroke did so at the age of 60, whereas non-heavy drinkers experienced a stroke at the age of 74, on average.

The early occurrence of stroke may be related to diseased or damaged small blood vessels, the authors wrote.

Among stroke patients younger than 60 who had a stroke that occurred in the deep part of the brain, heavy drinkers were more likely to die within two years of the study follow-up than non-heavy drinkers.

The researchers also found that heavy alcohol drinkers were frequently not living independent lives before the stroke.

Other alcohol related issues, including multiple falls, nerve problems, depression and chronic fatigue likely caused their dependence on others.

In addition, more than half of heavy drinkers had high blood pressure.

Although, there is controversy over the actual benefits of alcohol, the key seems to be moderation.

New research has shown that non-alcoholic wine provides greater health benefits than alcohol so this is something to consider when making the choice for your health.