Seniors, that cocktail you may feel conflicted about sipping could actually help your health in the long run. According to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Central Florida, adults 65 and above who drink moderate amounts of alcohol could actually reduce frailty and cut their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Research has long suggested that levels of inflammation rise as we age, and this contributes to age-related illnesses and frailty. The new study, published in the journal Age and Ageing, looked at levels of C-reactive proteins, a pro-inflammation marker.

The researchers assessed the alcohol consumption of more than 3,200 adults aged 65 and older and found those seniors who drank moderate amounts of alcohol had reduced levels of inflammation when compared with those who drank heavily and those who didn’t drink much or any at all. The range for moderate drinking falls between 5 and 14.9 grams daily. A small glass of wine or a 12-ounce bottle of beer would fall in this category.

The UCF researchers cited a previous study of 26,000 adults that showed a 21 percent reduction in C-reactive protein levels among moderate drinkers compared with abstainers and occasional drinkers. That study found a 13 percent drop when moderate drinkers were compared with heavy drinkers.

The researchers said while there is increasing evidence that drinking alcohol in moderation, especially red wine, can boost health in older age, they are not suggesting that teetotaling adults take up drinking. More study is needed to better understand the potential benefits of moderate alcohol intake.

So raise a guilt-free glass of red wine in a toast to better health. Just don’t overdo it.