Wine isn’t exactly known for being part of a healthy lifestyle – especially when you’re dieting and trying to shed a few extra pounds.
Anyone who’s ever been on a diet – whether it’s Weight Watchers, Slimming World or Atkins – will be familiar with the pain of having to ditch the booze when you’re trying to get your summer bod back.
On average, a large glass of wine – and by large I don’t mean a bucket size, I mean around the 250ml mark – is said to contain the same amount of calories as an ice cream – around 228! Shocking.
They say a summer body is made in winter but with the cold weather and endless warnings about not to leave the house unless absolutely necessary, getting to the gym or at least outside to do your workout, may be trickier than usual.
So, thanks to scientists – yes, actual science – we may have an alcohol-based solution to ease your body woes.
If you’re struggling to refrain from the comfort food or those glasses of wine you may partake in after a long and tiring day at the office, there’s no need to feel guilty, as apparently, drinking two glasses of wine before bed can actually help you lose weight. Bingo!
According to two studies, one by Washington State University and the other by Harvard Medical School back in 2016, report the Daily Mail, similarly, they found there’s a polyphenol called resveratrol in red wine that turns white fan into beige fat.
Washington State’s research also found resveratrol is a type of antioxidant found in most fruits.
Professor of animal sciences Min Du and visiting scientist Songbo Wang, demonstrated mice fed a diet containing 0.1 percent resveratrol were able to change their excess white fat into the active, energy-burning beige fat.
Du said:
Polyphenols in fruit, including resveratrol, increase gene expression that enhances the oxidation of dietary fats so the body won’t be overloaded. They convert white fat into beige fat that burns lipids off as heat – helping to keep the body in balance and prevent obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Meanwhile, Harvard researchers found in their study – of 20,000 women – those who drank two glasses of wine a day were 70 per cent less likely to be overweight.
It’s also thought the resveratrol in wine suppresses your appetite, meaning it’s less likely you’ll end up going for a midnight snack after a couple of glasses of red before bedtime.
If it comes down to wine or fruit, I’ve got a sneaky suspicion I know which one most of you will opt for!
Despite these studies, please remember to always drink responsibly.
If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110 for advice and support.
