Even while health benefits of red wine remain debatable, a study claims to have discovered a process inside the human body which gives those fond of this drink a valid reason to say cheers!

"It has often been observed that the French do not develop heart diseases despite bad eating habits. This phenomenon, referred to as the French Paradox, has often been attributed, even by scientific studies, to the consumption of red wine which contains a chemical compound resveratrol that is beneficial for the heart and has anti-cancer properties," the study conducted by the Bio-chemistry Department of Allahabad University says.

Professor Syed Ibrahim Rizvi, the author of the study, which was presented at the National Symposium on Advances in Clinical Biochemistry held in Aligarh in November, 2008, said, "It has been baffling for scientists that under laboratory conditions, resveratrol is required in much higher amounts to show effects similar to what is observed under normal conditions".

"Vitamin C is essential to regenerate Vitamin E, which plays a very important role in preventing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which in turn gives rise to several diseases related to the heart," Rizvi added. "This phenomenon offers a possible explanation to the health-promoting effects of resveratrol, even when consumed in moderate concentrations".

"With this, people may also be rest assured that for health benefits, they need not consume large amounts of resveratrol-rich food like red wine, red grapes or pomegranate," he added.