A new study, published in the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, found that an ingredient in red wine may inhibit the positive impact of exercise.  The ingredient, resveratrol, was given on its own to participants as a daily supplement.  Concurrently, they participated in a daily exercise regimen.  Researchers found that the supplements do not augment training effects, but may actually inhibit them.

According to Medical News Today, resveratrol is an antioxidant that belongs to a group of plant compounds called polyphenols.  It is found in red grapes, red wine, blueberries and peanuts.  Resveratrol is often hailed as a healthy compound, giving credence to arguments that small amounts of red wine enhance health.

In particular, this study followed participants for four weeks.  In the group that took the supplement, they found that the physical fitness did not improve significantly.  On the other hand, for the placebo group that took no supplements, the researchers saw benefits associated with physical activity.  Specifically, there was an increase in gene expression for the gene associated with heart protection.

These findings are a change from some accepted research.  The Mayo Clinic explains that red wine has an ingredient called resveratrol, which can increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is the “good” type of cholesterol. In doing so, resveratrol can protect against artery damage. However, doctors do not want people to start drinking wine due to the numerous adverse effects of alcohol consumption.

An earlier study, published in the British Medical Journal, examined the association between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease. The researchers found that low alcohol consumption was associated with a better cardiovascular profile and a lower risk of coronary artery disease. The benefits of reducing alcohol consumption were apparent even with light to moderate drinkers.