The cardiovascular benefits of drinking red wine are well-known, but researchers at the University of California at Davis were curious whether it was the alcohol that enhanced the effects of red wine. Researchers wanted to know whether catechins -- antioxidants in red wine -- were weakened or strengthened by alcohol. In the study, they took blood samples from nine persons after they each had a non-alcoholic red wine drink and, much later, after a glass of regular red wine. Both drinks had the same level of catechins. Researchers found that the participants' catechin levels rose sharply after drinking both regular red wine and non-alcoholic red wine. But three hours after drinking alcoholic red wine, catechin levels began to drop; the drop-off was slower after a non-alcoholic red wine. Researchers conclude in the Dec. 30 issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that alcohol provides no additional heart benefit to red wine. Information courtesy of OnHealth Briefing J Nutr, 9/02 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.