18982

I enjoy Science News very much but not the occasional article singing the praises of alcoholic beverages, particularly red wine, as a benefit to the cardiovascular system (“A glass of red may keep the arteries loose,” SN: 1/5/02, p. 8). When the articles become specific concerning the substances that bring the benefit, they refer to phytochemicals. Those are present in grape juice, as well. When one considers the destructive effects of alcohol upon the body and society, it would seem accurate and more responsible to highlight the health benefits of red grape juice rather than red wine.

Lewis Anderson
Allendale, Mich.

Benefits have been attributed to phytochemicals in some studies but to alcohol in others. –The Editors