Blackberries are nutritional powerhouses.
While mainstream commercial wines have been studied extensively, blackberry and Concord grape wines have escaped the scrutiny of science. But the nutritional qualities of the raw materials are well established, suggesting excellent health benefits from both types of wine.
Shared Trait
Blackberry wine and Concord grape wine both contain alcohol. According to a WebMD report, "Alcohol has been shown to increase levels of HDL, the so-called good cholesterol, in the blood."
Grape Pluses
A 2007 study in the "Journal of Cardiovascular Research" reported that Concord grape juice helps keep blood vessels healthy, reduces "bad" cholesterol and lowers blood pressure.
Blackberry Benefits
Blackberries are nutrient powerhouses as well. "Better Nutrition" put blackberries on their list of "10 top antioxidant foods," noting they are are "full of fiber, minerals and vitamins, and loaded with healing antioxidants."
Comparing Two
Blackberries and Concord grapes boast healthful qualities---and according to University of California researcher Andrew Waterhouse, berry benefits are only magnified when made into wine. "You're getting the antioxidants out of the juice, the skin and the seeds plus the magnifying effect of the alcohol," Waterhouse told The Washington Post.
Health Warning
While wine and alcohol in general are linked to healthful benefits, excessive consumption carries risks. In urging moderation, the Professional Friends of Wine point out, "Overindulgence can be considerably more harmful than total abstinence."
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