(MD) - In life, we are told there are two kinds of people: wine drinkers and beer drinkers. America’s thirst for these two popular alcoholic drinks brings back the age-old debate of beer versus wine. The common belief is a glass of fine wine is healthy, but is it healthier than a foamy, cold glass of beer?

Sip (or guzzle down) these facts about wine and beer to decide which one offers the most life-extending benefits.

Fine Wine: Is It Really So Divine?

Health experts have long lauded wine for its numerous health benefits, specifically its antioxidants, which reduce risk for coronary heart disease. About 200 years ago, an Irish doctor noted chest pain (angina) was far less common in France than in Ireland, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. He attributed this stark distinction to “the French habits and mode of living.” Although the French diet includes plenty of butter and cheese, the country has one of the lowest rates of heart disease in the world, and the French's high consumption of red wine may be why.

Fine Wine: Heart and Brain Healthy

A study published in the journal Lancet found there was a strong and negative association between ischemic heart disease deaths and alcohol consumption. The findings revealed there is a positive but inconsistent association with cardiac mortality and saturated and monounsaturated fat intake. The correlation seen between less cardiac deaths and alcohol was attributed to wine consumption.

Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in wine, along with the antioxidant compound quercetin, have been shown to benefit the brain. A 2013 study published in the journal Bio Medical Central Medicine found drinking wine could lower the risk for depression. Since resveratrol and quercetin can suppress high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) — associated with the likelihood of displaying depressive symptoms — it can actually lessen psychological distress associated with depression.