A small amount of alcohol may benefit your heart by easing stress in the brain. Researchers say they're not advertising for people to drink, though, because alcohol also raises the risk of cancer. But instead, the study suggests that understanding the process could help us find healthier ways to get the same benefit, like through meditation or exercise. Some larger studies in the past have shown that those who drink moderately have lower risks of heart attacks and strokes compared to those who don't drink alcohol at all and those who drink more. The study's senior author said that's due to the relaxing effect of alcohol before feeling buzzed. It was thought that alcohol affected the blood, but now the research shows it affects the brain instead.