Munich Conference Scientists at theconference in Munich have disputred theories that dark chocolate and red wine are good for the heart.
"Scientists claim there is no proof that chocolate and red wine cut heart disease – despite millions hoping they do.
The mechanisms by which they could make a difference have still to be explained, according to heart specialists.
The evidence that dark chocolate protects the heart remains elusive, even though a recent study showed a 37 per cent cut in risk for those eating a square a day.
This was only a 'sign', however, and not proof because the study was flawed, said Steffen Desch from the University of Leipzig Heart Centre in Germany.
He said a more conclusive trial could be difficult because the real thing would have to be tested against a 'dummy' substance that looked and tasted like chocolate.
Some small studies have claimed that chocolate lowers blood pressure and reduces inflammation in the body. But Dr Desch is unconvinced.
'Despite the studies I couldn't yet recommend dark chocolate as a prevention or treatment in cardiovascular disease,' he said.
'There's no strong evidence of a benefit and no clear explanation of an effective mechanism.' The calories contained in chocolate are likely to offset any protection to the heart, he added.
His reservations came as Dutch researchers dampened down speculation about the benefits of red wine on the heart.
They have tested resveratrol, which is found in the skin of red grapes and is believed to have a range of life-enhancing properties.
Eric Sijbrands, of Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, led a series of studies which failed to replicate the findings of heart benefits from taking resveratrol.
Using it in capsules for four weeks did not lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension, he said. 'Certainly I would never actively prescribe red wine for a heart condition and, even if I was asked about it, I would be cautious,' he added.
If red wine does work, the explanation is likely to be 'complex', he said. Any benefit from moderate consumption is likely to be small and outweighed by the adverse effects of drinking too much.
The scientists were speaking at the European Congress of Cardiology in Munich yesterday."