2 replies to this topic

[theconomist]

Hello everyone.
We allknow the health benefits of red wine and most of us either drink it or supplement it in some form. The main drawback is the calorie density and the alcohol content of red wine.

For the past few months I have been drinking a bottle of a no-alcohol red wine which is sweetened with stevia extract. The manifacturer claims that it has all the health benefits of red wine since it's basically the same process except that the end product is alcohol free and only 4 calories per glass.
What do you guys think of this product?

Ingrédients; de-alcoholized French wine, glycerol, aromas, stevia extract

[Hebbeh]

It would have to be analyzed for polyphenol content to know what is really in it. And I believe that at least part of the benefit of wine is attributed to the alcohol (in moderation) in addition to the polyphenols. Perhaps the alcohol (acting as a solvent) even helps in the delivery of the polyphenols? But if you enjoy it, then that in itself makes it worthwhile.

[nowayout]

Yes, comparisons of the health benefits of various alcoholic drinks suggest the alcohol itself appears to be associated (though not necessarily responsible, if you understand the distinction) with large part of the benefit, so their claim that it has "all the benefit" is highly suspect. But you should drink whatever you do for enjoyment, not for perceived health benefits, since the population studies on the benefits of alcohol is subject to a wide range of interpretations.

Edited by nowayout, 14 September 2013 - 03:10 PM.