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If it is supposedly so bad for us, how come they keep finding ways alcohol can actually benefit our health?

A new study says drinking the sauce may reduce the pain, stiffness and joint damaged caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The study also found that people who drink alcohol are less likely to develop this joint disease in the first place, confirming the results of previous research.

Your genes can play a role, as can factors such as lifestyle and environment. Blood tests reveal less inflammation and questionnaires revealed less pain, stiffness, and movement problems.

We keep hearing the same thing -- one or two drinks a day can help:

• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce cardiovascular disease
• Lower your risk of gallstones
• Possibly reduce your risk of diabetes

Moderation is key. Obviously, if you are hitting the liquor hard every day, the benefits to your joints will be outweighed by the Cirrhosis of your liver and increased risk of cancer and pancreatitis. Not to mention that nobody likes a sloppy drunk, dude.

So drink up, boys, but keep those weekend binges to a minimum.

• Alcohol may fight rheumatoid arthritis (cnn.com)
• Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis (bbc.co.uk)