Study says that drinking a glass of red wine can have the same effect as exercise

This might just be the best news ever (or close to it anyway).

A study says that resveratrol, a natural compound found in red wine, can improve physical performance, muscle strength and help maintain a healthy heart. So if there was ever an excuse to have a glass of wine after a day where work has been tougher than ever and the kids are trying your patience, this is it. I mean the benefits of the gym without going to the gym, what's not to love? Lead researcher, Jason Dyck, spoke to Science Daily about the findings:

"We were excited when we saw that resveratrol showed results similar to what you would see from extensive endurance exercise training".

Researchers at the University of Alberta, Canada, found that resveratrol, also found in nuts and grapes, could potentially help people who want to exercise but find it difficult. It is also likely to intensify the benefits of exercise for those who can only manage short bursts of strenuous activity.

"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".

However, this only applies to one glass of wine and any more than that is likely to undo all the good work. We'll keep that in mind...