Eating an antioxidant found in red wine, dark chocolate and berries does not help people live longer new research reveals.
An Italian study of over 780 people has found eating a diet rich in the antioxidant Resveratrol does not reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Researchers analysed urine samples from the participants who were aged 65 or older from the Chianti area for metabolites of Resveratrol.
Previous studies showed the compound – also found in grapes, peanuts and certain Asiatic plant roots – recorded anti-inflammatory effects.
However, the latest research revealed people with the highest concentration of resveratrol were no less likely to have died of any cause than those with no resveratrol found in their urine.
Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “The results of this study, while interesting, will not change the dietary advice we provide. People should continue to eat plenty of fruit, veg and wholegrains.
“We recognise the need to learn more about the action of resveratrol though, so are funding research into its reported disease-combatting properties and how it affects the heart and circulatory system.
“This research is vital as it could form the basis of future medicines.”
