Resveratrol study underwhelms

A study of Italians who consume a diet rich in resveratrol -- the compound found in red wine, dark chocolate and berries -- finds they live no longer than and are just as likely to develop cardiovascular disease or cancer as those who eat or drink smaller amounts of the antioxidant, as described in the May 12 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.

Despite the negative results, researchers say, studies have shown that consumption of red wine, dark chocolate and berries does reduce inflammation in some people and still appears to protect the heart. It's just that the benefits, must come from other polyphenols or substances found in those foodstuffs.

We have never jumped on the resveratrol bandwagon. While we do recommend many of the foods that contain resveratrol, we do not endorse them because of resveratrol.