Are you looking for facts about red wine and weight loss? Before we get too deep into it, understand that there is a great deal of contradictory information about this hot button issue. You’ll see studies claiming that red wine is your one-way ticket to diet success, and others claiming that a single glass could upset an entire week of sticking to a strict regime.
The truth is neither of these extreme reflect the reality of how red wine relates to weight loss. Although much of the evidence is still inconclusive, this is a widely studied area, so we do have some research we can rely on with relative confidence. When sorting through fact and fiction, here are 7 facts about red wine and weight loss that you can trust.
1. There are studied which indicate red wine can assist with weight loss
There were studies conducted at Washington State University and Harvard Medical School that claimed a polyphenol called ‘resveratrol,’ which is present in red wine, helps in losing weight. This polyphenol converts white fat, which are larger cells that store energy and expand as we gain weight, into obesity-fighting beige fat and this fat is much easier to lose.
2. The benefits only exist if wine is consumed in moderation
Before you get too carried away with this knowledge, know that amount matter. If you want to get its maximum benefits, you must drink in moderation. Ideally, you should consult a physician to know if you should consume or avoid the consumption of red wine, as it also depends on other factors.
3. Different types of wine have different amounts of calories
Anyone trying to lose weight understands that it all comes down to the calories. Although most wine has anywhere from 130-175 calories per glass, some of the sweeter varieties can have even more. Dessert wines and high alcohol sweet wines all tend to skew fairly highly on the spectrum, so if you’re looking to lose weight, those are best avoided. Always do your research on the red wines that you buy.
4. The body metabolizes alcohol calories differently from other calories
Although the calories from wine will definitely still affect your ability to lose weight, it is worth noting that the way your body processes calories from alcohol is different than say, calories from ice cream. This is because our bodies digest alcohol, or ethanol, differently because it is a toxic substance.
Our bodies send excess ethanol into a complex metabolic process involving our liver which eventually releases acetic acid that is secreted, so it doesn’t all get converted to energy.
5. Dry red wine is your best bet for weight loss
For one, red wine has been shown to have much higher antioxidants than other wines. That being said, more alcohol means more calories. You should pay attention to the alcohol level when purchasing a bottle and attempt to keep it below 13.5%.
6. Drinking late at night can contribute to weight gain
Try to think of alcohol behaving the same way as carbohydrates. The later you drink, the more will be stored as excess. You will also be more likely to have higher quality rest if you stop all eating and drinking for the day about 3-4 hours before you plan to go to sleep.
7. Some people need to cut wine out altogether to lose weight
This might be unwelcome news to some, but the truth is that some people simply don’t do well when it comes to knowing where to draw the line. If you struggle to limit yourself to just one or two glasses, or end up over indulging on snacks after drinking, it might be best to cut wine out entirely. This can help you achieve quicker, more effective weight loss. Once you’ve reached your goa, you can slowly begin reintroducing wine into your diet.
