Moderate drinking of alcohol decreases the progress of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate and total mortality. The mechanisms of action have not been clarified yet, but changes of lipid metabolism, antioxidative effect and changes in hemostasis are accused to play the major role. Moderate drinking leads to the increase of HDL cholesterol and decrease of LDL cholesterol. Antioxidants are distributed throughout the skin of grapes and therefore are present in higher concentration in red wine. Alcohol decreases the fibrinogen level and increases tPA, inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces factor VIIc. It positively influences stress, fear, anxiety and depression. Optimal daily consumption should be 20 to 40 g in men and half of it in women. Everday drinking is important. There is no big difference between drinking beer, wine or drinks. The most crucial is to keep the moderate level of consumption.

        Key words: alcohol, wine, beer, drinks, flavonoids, HDL cholesterol, antioxidants, hemostasis