For years, we've heard it over and over again:

"A glass of wine with dinner is good for your heart."

After all, people pointed to France, where wine is practically a food group and folks seem to live forever while enjoying cheese, bread, and long dinners.

But a new study is pouring some cold water into that belief.

Researchers analyzed U.S. health data and found no evidence that drinking alcohol provides health benefits at any level. In fact, the study suggests the risk of health problems and even death increases with alcohol consumption, including for people considered moderate drinkers.

The Risks Add Up

The study found that men who drink about two alcoholic drinks per day face roughly a 4% lifetime risk of dying from an alcohol-related illness or injury.

For women, the findings are even more concerning. Researchers say women face a higher risk of alcohol-related liver disease than men who drink similar amounts.

Younger Adults See No Benefits

The researchers say younger adults don't get any health advantages from drinking alcohol at all.

Instead, many alcohol-related deaths among younger people are linked to:

• Car crashes

• Injuries

• Violence

• Other preventable accidents

So What's The New Recommendation?

Based on the findings, the authors recommend limiting alcohol intake to:

No more than ONE drink per day for both men and women.

That doesn't mean you can't enjoy an occasional beer at a Tigers game, a glass of wine at dinner, or a cocktail around the campfire. But the old idea that drinking is somehow good for your health may be fading faster than an ice cube in a Michigan July.