(TDB) - Moderate wine consumption has been shown to significantly delay dementia in a new report that analyses almost 100 studies into the subject.

The evidence stands in direct opposition to controversial new British government guidance on alcohol consumption by suggesting that there are health benefits to moderate drinking.

The Chief Medical Officer dismissed the benefits of drinking red wine as an “old wives’ tale” in January, when the recommended weekly consumption was cut to 14 units for both men and women.

But the new ‘study of studies’ suggests that chemicals known as phenols – most commonly found in red and sparkling wine – can help to protect brain cells from damage.

It also concluded that phenols may help nerve and brain cells to keep communicating with other cells, countering the effects of Alzheimer’s.

The review, led by Dr Jeremy Spencer of the University of Reading, has been published in Wine Safety, Consumer Preference, and Human Health.