Red Wine (and Grape Juice!)

Article by healthybalance.com staff
Posted on June 22, 2008

While researchers continue their million-dollar studies on the anti-aging effects of red wines’ resveratrol, one thing is certain. Something in grapes is good for you! Media hype has centered on red wine as the source for resveratrol. Truth be told, grape juices and grapes themselves may provide the same health benefits.

Resveratrol is found in the skins and seeds of dark red and purple grapes, especially dark purple Concord grapes. Studies suggest that juice made from these grapes lowers risk of blood clots and stroke, reduces bad cholesterol, maintains heart vessel health and supports healthy blood pressure. Other studies have found lower incidences of colorectal, lung and breast cancers, as well.

Get juiced

Like red wine, red and purple grapes and their juices also provide you with flavanoids, antioxidants that boost good cholesterol, help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for atherosclerosis.

In addition, grape seeds, skins and stems contain an anti-microbial agent that has been proven effective against 14 different bacteria including E. coli, staph and food-borne pathogens. Unlike taking prescribed antibiotics, drinking purple grape juice or a glass of red wine destroys the harmful bacteria without killing off the pro-biotics that help you maintain good intestinal health.

Should you drink grape juice and only grape juice? No! Other studies have shown that different fruit juices have different health benefits. For example, a study on long-term fruit juice consumption and protection against Alzheimer’s disease included cloudy apple, cranberry, grapefruit, pomegranate, red grape, white grape, orange, tomato and pineapple juices. Researcher Alan Crozier concluded, “The message is to mix these juices during the week. That way you will get all the compounds with anti-oxidant activity. If you drink only one juice you risk missing out on the compounds in the others.”

Did you know?

• Drinking at least three glasses of red wine a week could cut your risk of colorectal cancer by nearly 70%.
• Researchers attribute the French populace’s heart health to their consumption of grapes and wine—even though they eat a high fat diet.
• Eating grapes with seeds—rather than seedless grapes—gives you more nutrients.
• Frozen grapes are a great snack. Wash grapes, pat dry, set in a single layer on a cookie sheet and place in freezer. Move grapes to a freezer bag or airtight container and store in your freezer.
• US grown grapes have less pesticide residue. If you can buy grapes grown in your own locale, that’s better yet.