But modest alcohol consumption also raises HDL, the good cholesterol, and other substances that promote heart health.

Following a lifestyle that decreases LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and increases HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the primary path to lower cholesterol.

Because higher levels of HDL are thought to help prevent build-up of arterial plaque, boosting levels of it in the bloodstream could be a good way to fight harmfully high levels of LDL.