Drink up thy cider, it could be good for your health

Scientists have shown that the drink, currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity, is bursting with health-boosting antioxidants.

In many cases, levels are as high as those found in red wine, which is recognised for its ability to stave off a range of diseases.

Both drinks are rich in phenolics, a type of antioxidant credited with the ability to ward off cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Researcher Dr Serena Marks said: "Unit for unit, the cider with the most phenolics had levels comparable to red wine."

Type of apple, exposure to light, soil composition and storage conditions all affect phenolic concentration.

Presenting her findings at the Cheltenham Science Festival last night, Dr Marks said it could have important implications for health – and for the cider industry.

The Glasgow University scientist said: "Previous research suggests there may be an association between phenolics and protection against some serious diseases.

"The more information we can get about the phenolics in cider and what happens to them in the body, the more chance we have of positively influencing the phenolic content of cider, for example, by helping manufacturers chose varieties of cider apple which have naturally higher levels of phenolics.

"This could mean that drinking a glass of cider is not only enjoyable, but a great way for people to naturally increase the amount of phenolics in their diet."

A spokesman for the National Association of Cider Makers, which part-funded the study, said: "An apple a day is said to keep the doctor away. But a glass of cider could be an even more pleasurable way to take care of yourself."

The finding comes as cider becomes increasingly popular. It overtook bitter for the first time last year, with £453million in off-licence and supermarket sales.

Its resurgence has been partly attributed to the "Magners effect", a £20million advertising campaign encouraging consumers to drink the Irish-brewed bottled cider over ice.

It was so successful at appealing to younger drinkers that its manufacturer, Tipperary-based Bulmers, had to import apples from England to keep up production levels.

With the popularity of British brands also soaring, many orchards are being replanted for the first time in decades.