Before we begin, it must be mentioned that there is not neccessarily any relationship between alcohol and cholesterol, only that too much of either isn’t going to be good for your health.
Likewise in smaller controlled amounts neither will do you too much harm, especially if the cholesterol your adding to your diet helps to increase the amounts of HDL’s and lowers LDL’s in the blood.
An occasional drink may be beneficial too because this can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol which hinders relaxation and everyday weight manangement ability.
Now, before you go to the nearest bar and order yourself some wine and beer to toast to your heart, you must remind yourself that the studies are still inconclusive. Also, that over imbibing of alcohol does more damage – it causes multiple organ diseases including cardiac arrests.