French researchers have discovered that moderate drinkers are healthier than either heavy boozers or abstainers. But the scientists behind the study are adamant their findings not be interpreted as evidence that a glass or two of red wine a day should get the credit. They’re tired of hearing that claim. “There’s too much talk about the benefits of moderate drinking,” said Boris Hansel, a researcher at the Hopital de la Pitie in Paris and lead author of the study. There’s no proven cause-and-effect link between light drinking and better health. Measured alcohol consumption, Hansel said, could well be a “marker” for other factors. For instance, moderate drinkers scored well in terms of their level of physical activity and socio-economic status. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is only the latest of several suggesting earlier results interpreted as showing that booze is good for you failed to take other factors into account.