North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Bob Sorenson <natvwine@cut.net>]

It isn't true that grape juice is as healthy as wine.
There have been comparative studies done on this very subject and while it
is not completely understood, there are some facts we know.

The alcohol seems to extract and preserve certain vital phytochemicals in a
way that nonalcoholic juice does not. Also the absorption of the
antioxidants in the gut is affected positively.
One study showed a level of protection against salmonella when a glass of
red wine was consumed with dinner, presumably this was because of the
alcohol.
Consider also that grape juice is made from generally much inferior grapes
as compared to wine grapes, it is pasteurized which destroys some of the
nutrients and vitamins and it also is full of sugar!

bob sorenson
native wines