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Red wine in moderation has constantly been praised for its numerous health benefits. A little bit of red wine has been associated with having anti-aging effects. Studies have identified the antioxidant, resveratrol as the responsible agent for these advantages. Despite the numerous studies, however, one recent study suggests that resveratrol might not be as good as everyone previously believed. According to this study, the antioxidant might be blocking out the benefits of cardiovascular exercise in older men.

In this study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen recruited 27 men who were around 65-years-old. The participants, who were considered healthy, were given a high-intensity exercise routine to perform for eight-weeks. Half of the sample set was given a supplement of 250 mg of resveratrol while the other half was given a placebo.  

Surprisingly enough, the researchers found that the group taking the resveratrol did not benefit as much from the high-intensity exercise regimen as they predicted. The group that exercised and took the placebo experienced a greater improvement in blood pressure and levels of 'bad' cholesterol. This group also lowered their harmful blood fat levels. The researchers concluded that resveratrol for older men who exercised counteracted with the benefits of the cardiovascular routine. The researchers looked at factors such as blood pressure, maximal oxygen uptake and plasma lipid concentrations.

The researchers acknowledged that some limiting factors to their study were the extremely small sample size and the amount of resveratrol administered. According to the researchers, 250mg is more than the average intake a person would consume in a normal diet. Since the question of whether or not resveratrol is effective, some experts have stated that it would be best to intake resveratrol through natural produce instead of pills.

"If you believe that resveratrol will help you live longer and healthier, get it from food or wine, not by chocking down resveratrol pills. Why? Eating red grapes, blueberries, and pistachios, or having a glass of your favorite red wine, are pleasurable ways to take in resveratrol. Plus you get all the other healthful plant products that come with resveratrol," Harvard Health wrote. "It's worth keeping an eye on resveratrol research. But it's far too soon to be promoting it as a fountain of youth or wonder drug."

The study was published in the Journal of Physiology.