There’s nothing like relaxing after a long day with a good book and a glass of wine, and now relaxation isn’t the only reason for you to drink up. According to a study, published in the journal Stroke, female participants who drank about a half glass of wine per day were 17 percent less likely to have a stroke, compared to abstainers, while woman who drink a full glass per day reduced their risk of stroke by 21 percent.

Dr. Monik Jimenez, a lead researcher on the study, states that alcohol reduces stroke risk because it has special properties that “prevent blood clots and promote HDL (good) cholesterol.”

The risk of stroke did not continue to decrease as women drank more alcohol, the study found and Dr. Jimenez says it’s important to put the study’s findings in perspective and remember that drinking alcohol has adverse effects as well.

“Higher intake can lead to high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation which are both risk factors for stoke. Our findings really stress moderation for women who do drink.”

Of course alcohol isn’t the only way for women to reduce stress. Women can reduce their risk of stroke by eating more citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, which contain compounds that improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation. Cutting back on foods high in trans fat can also reduce the risk of stroke in women.