Lead researcher Prof Dr Piet van den Brandt said: “Our analyses show significantly positive associations between alcohol and longevity in men and women.”

One theory is moderate drinking is good for heart health. But too much booze can be toxic, explaining why bingers do badly.

However, the researchers claim their results do not mean teetotallers should hit the bottle.

They said: “The results should not be used as motivation to start drinking.”

But Prof Dame Sally Davies, former Chief Medical Officer, said even one pint a week increases the risk of cancer.

And Sir Ian Gilmore, from Alcohol Health Alliance UK, claimed: “There is no evidence to suggest non-drinkers should start for the good of their health.”

NHS guidelines recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol weekly – roughly six pints of beer or six standard glasses of wine.