A glass of red wine could be as beneficial as a session at the gym

A glass of red wine could be as good for your health as a session at the gym, according to researchers in Canada.

A team at the University of Alberta have studied the effects that the compound ‘resveratrol’ has on the human body.

Resveratrol is found in red wine, as well as foods such as nuts and grapes.

The head of the research team, Jason Dyck, says that the compound has a similar effect on patients as an intense work out session at the gym, helping to improve physical performance and muscle strength.

He told Science Daily: “We were excited when we saw that resveratrol showed results similar to what you would see from extensive endurance exercise training.”

Dyke believes that this could be important because many people who are unable to exercise could still reap similar benefits by consuming a small amount of resveratrol.

It could also help to magnify the effects that a small amount of exercise could have on patients.

He continued: “I think resveratrol could help patient populations who want to exercise but are physically incapable. Resveratrol could mimic exercise for them or improve the benefits of the modest amount of exercise that they can do.

“It is very satisfying to progress from basic research in a lab to testing in people, in a short period of time.”

Of course, wine consumption must only be done in moderation if it is to remain beneficial, rather than harmful.

One glass per day should be enough to reap the benefits of resveratrol.

The good news is that red wine also has other health benefits, including helping to reduce cholesterol – again one glass per day is the recommended amount.

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