Grape Juice Vs. Red Wine Antioxidants

Grape juice and red wine both contain grape seed extract. Grape seed extract contains antioxidants called flavonoids, which give it its color. Antioxidants prevent oxidation which causes damage to the cells and tissues in your body. According to Dallas Clouatre, PhD, flavonoids in grape seed extract also possess anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine properties. However, there are other factors to consider when consuming these beverages for their antioxidant quality.

Heart Disease

There is some evidence that drinking red wine has a few health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, it increases high-density lipo-proteins, or HDL, which is the good cholesterol and reduces the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke. However, the AHA does not endorse alcohol consumption and warns that in addition to alcoholism, excessive alcohol use increases your risk of developing high blood pressure or having a stroke. Drinking Concord grape juice as an alcohol-free alternative has cardiovascular benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of clogged arteries, according to Dr. Martha Grogan, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist.

Dementia

Dementia is a mental disorder, involving memory impairment along with other cognitive deficits, that has a late age of onset. Since past research has found grape juice consumption to improve memory in animals, Dr. R. Krikorian and colleagues conducted a study to determine its effect on humans with memory decline. According to their findings, which were published in the March 2010 issue of "The British Journal of Nutrition," consumption of grape juice for 12 weeks increased verbal learning. Although not tested in this study, alcohol consumption is associated with loss of memory and impaired judgment.

Immunity

Antioxidants are known to both treat and prevent a number of illnesses. As such, consuming beverages high in anti-oxidants should increase your immune system's ability to function. This was the hypothesis of a study conducted by Dr. C. A. Rowe and colleagues, which was published in the December 2010 issue of "Journal of Medicinal Food." These researchers found that antioxidant activity, T-cells and vitamin C levels, which are all associated with a healthy immune system, were significantly higher in subjects who consumed Concord grape juice daily for 9 weeks as opposed to those who did not. Grape juice is also a better source of fluid for your body as far as hydration is concerned. The alcohol in red wine causes dehydration, which results in fatigue.

Considerations

Over-consumption of either grape juice or red wine has associated risks. Grape juice is high in calories, which increases your chance of weight gain. It is also high in sugar, which is not good for diabetics. The alcohol in red wine temporarily impairs your motor skills and cognitive functioning and can lead to permanent health problems. Although both of these beverages are high in antioxidants, there are alternative beverages containing antioxidants that may be healthier such as green tea and coffee. You can also eat red or purple grapes instead, which are also good sources of fiber.