MARTINI A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY? (EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 12,

MARTINI A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY? (EMBARGOED UNTIL APRIL 12, 1999)

ULM, Germany (Wireless Flash) -- Those three-martini lunches may not be so bad for you after all -- at least where ulcers are concerned. A new study in the upcoming issue of "Epidemiology" reveals that people who regularly drink small amounts of booze are less likely to harbor bacteria that can cause ulcers. Researchers at the University of Ulm in Germany compared teetotalers and boozehounds and discovered that folks who regularly consume red wine are 42 percent less likely to get ulcers than non-drinkers. The study found beer drinkers are 26 percent less likely to get ulcers than teetotalers. Although hard liquor wasn't included in the research, one study suggests that hard booze may be overkill and red wine works better at killing the bacteria. Some doctors are theorizing that moderate drinking may also help prevent food poisoning, but further research still needs to be done.

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