Q: Does Grape Juice Provide All the Resveratrol Benefits of Wine?
A: The reason red wine has such a high concentration of resveratrol is due to the types of grapes used to make it (such as Vitis vinifera and muscadine grapes). These grapes tend to be different than the ones you might find at the grocery store, and some people say they are not as tasty as the grapes typically offered in the produce section due to their glucose-fructose ratios.
The skin of the grapes used to make red wine remains present after the grapes are pressed, and during fermentation resveratrol is released into the solution. While grapes and many grape juices can be good sources of resveratrol, they do not undergo fermentation, which makes their concentration of the resveratrol significantly lower.
So what about the concerns associated with consuming alcohol? Excessive alcohol intake can have devastating health effects, however moderate consumption, limited to one alcoholic beverage a day for women and two for men, has been linked to lower rates of coronary heart disease. Because red wine has the ability to slightly thin the blood (as all alcohol does), low amounts of it can also improve circulation and increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind). It is thought that because red wine may allow the blood to move more freely, the resveratrol it contains is made more available to do things such as provide antioxidant protection to cells and inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation, which is an important factor in preventing atherosclerosis.
The verdict on whether wine alcohol consumption is helpful or harmful is still undecided, and there is research evidence supporting both sides of the debate. It’s possible that its potential benefits may vary among individuals. For instance, studies have shown that resveratrol may have anti-cancer benefits, however alcohol may promote cancer. A considerable amount of research has shown that even moderate alcohol intake can promote breast cancer in women. Whether you choose to inbibe or stay sober, you can take full advantage of resveratrol’s health benefits with a standardized resveratrol supplement.
