Science

Red wine can be good for you - but not if you're already healthy

A popular supplement that claims to give the health benefits of red wine may not protect middle-aged women against a range of life threatening conditions, scientists have warned. Red wine contains an ingredient called resveratrol which has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and increase life expectancy.

Sales of purified resveratrol have soared dramatically in the belief they can lower sugar and fat levels in the blood and reduce blood pressure without the downsides of alcohol. Many people take the supplement to get the health benefits of red wine without having to consume large amounts of alcohol.

Resveratrol is found in the skins of red grapes and a glass of red wine a day has been put forward as the reason for the longevity of the French, despite a fat rich diet.