I have never been the type of individual who is easily swayed by public opinion. Peer pressure ceased to have an effect on me, thank goodness, once I completed middle school. However, I will often bow to the wishes of others when it comes to choosing a restaurant.  After all, I can get fish and veggies just about anywhere, right?   

As an adult, I have always had a preference for white wine over red wine.  A cold, crisp glass of Reisling was my ideal for many years. My husband, on the other hand, enjoys room temperature red varieties.  As it turns out, so do most of the friends with whom we dine. One evening, so that the four of us friends could share a bottle of wine, always more economical than ordering by the glass, I decided to give the red wine a try.  While it has been a slow process, crossing over to the “dark side” has finally turned me into a bona fide Malbec and Merlot girl! 

There is always a lot of hype about red wine being good for you. According to Mayo Clinic, red wine, in moderation, does possess some health benefits. The antioxidants found in red wine have been shown to be capable of elevating levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).  One particular substance found in the ruby red elixir seems to have garnered the most attention in terms of its heart-healthy benefits, and that is resveratrol.  This substance seems to be the bearer of all the good news. Although the majority of research studies have been performed on animals, the belief among the medical community is that resveratrol may even protect the lining of the arteries.This powerful polyphenol could be linked to a reduced risk of inflammation and blood clotting, both of which are key contributors to heart disease. 

I’m not here to encourage alcohol consumption, believe me! So, might there be another way to derive these aforementioned benefits in the absence of a corkscrew?  Fortunately, scientists have been thinking on that track too.The resveratrol in red wine originates in the skin of grapes. Because red wine is fermented with grape skins longer than white wine, it naturally contains more resveratrol. Therefore, eating red grapes, or drinking red or purple grape juice, has been suggested as a means of adding resveratrol to your diet without drinking alcohol.  Blueberries and cranberries also pack a fairly potent punch of quality phenols. 

Resveratrol supplements are available at many health food stores. While researchers haven’t found any direct harm in consuming resveratrol supplements, a good portion of its potency is not completely absorbed by the body.

Since this is the season of abundance for fresh fruit, try selecting red or purple grapes over the green variety. Add them to fruit bowls, chicken or tuna salad, or serve them to guests alongside your favorite cheese and cracker tray.  If it makes you feel more festive, go ahead and enjoy your red grape juice in a wine glass and toast to good health!  (Oh, go ahead…use the good crystal.  What are you saving it for, anyway?  You are worth it!)