Recent study revealed that people who drink wine in adequate quantity everyday lower their risk of developing Barrett's Esophagus - an untreatable condition that can lead to oesophageal cancer. It happens when heartburn or acid reflux permanently damages the lining of the esophagus.

Research team led by Kaiser Permanente studied data collected from 953 men and women in Northern California. Data analysis revealed that those who drank one or more glasses of red or white wine a day were 56 percent lower risk of Barrett's esophagus. Intake of beer or liquor had no such benefit.

Lead researcher, gastroenterologist Dr Douglas Corley, of the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Centre, said: "We already knew red wine was good for the heart, so perhaps here is another added benefit of a healthy lifestyle and a single glass of wine a day."

Dr Corley added: Oesophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer in the US with an incidence rate that has jumped 500 percent in the last 30 years.

Reasons behind this association are unknown but it is believed that antioxidants in wine neutralize the damage done by gastroesophageal reflux disease.