Scientists have been baffled for years over why the French have such low rates of heart disease.

It certainly isn’t anything to do with all those yummy pastries and cheeses!

Their love of red wine was considered a likely factor – but a new study claims to have proven this theory wrong.

Past research has suggested that resveratrol – present in red wine – may help prevent heart disease, have anti-inflammatory effects, and even reduce the risk of cancer.

Taking a further look, researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine looked at urine samples from 783 Italians, age 65 and older, who were a part of the Aging in the Chianti Region study.

Researchers tested their urine samples for resveratrol, then followed up with the participants for nine years but found no association between resveratrol levels and cardiovascular disease, cancer, or all-cause mortality.

So does this mean we should ditch the vino?!

Physician nutrition specialist and author of The Calendar Diet, Melina Jampolis, was surprised by the results of the study as she’s not totally convinced red wine isn’t a heart-healthy option.

“Nutrients don’t work in isolation,” she said.  “Heart disease and cancer usually develop over decades, and this study only looked at nine years.”

Jampolis also said that past studies have shown associations between wine consumption and a decreased risk of conditions like prostate cancer, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

The bottom line?

The nutritionist said that while you shouldn’t overdo it, this study is no reason to stop having a daily glass of wine if you fancy it!