Wine or grape juice?

My husband and I used to own a retail winery. As soon as the research known as the French Paradox hit the newstands, people started flocking in looking for red wine to help reduce their risk of heart disease. It didn't matter if they didn't like wine, or never drank wine - they were going to start drinking it to improve their health.

Now research is showing that it's not the alcohol in the wine that is protective, but rather the ability of the grapes to make arteries more flexible and pliable, which helps support healthy levels of blood pressure.

Add to that research that shows that drinking even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer in susceptible women, and it makes you think: should I drink wine, or just enjoy a glass of grape juice?

I'm voting for the grape juice. Choose 100% juice with no added sugar, and drink 4 ounces, about the size of a small juice glass, once or twice each day. Red grape juice appears to be healthier than white at this point. Remember that juice contains about 60 calories per half-cup, so reduce your calorie intake from other foods, or take an extra 1.5 mile walk each day to avoid gaining weight.