Red wine and dark beer carry cancer-protecting polyphenols. Red wine also contains the cholesterol-fighting antioxidant resveratrol (also found in the skin of grapes). The antioxidants in red wine increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and protect against artery damage. Red wine also contains iron, potassium and magnesium. As with all alcohol, moderate what you drink.