Can drinking wine before bed help with weight loss?
New research suggests that drinking one or two glasses of wine a day before bed may actually be good for your health and could even help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Two separate studies, one from the University of Washington and one from Harvard, both found an association between regular, moderate alcohol consumption and healthy weight.
In a Harvard study, scientists tracked approximately 20,000 women with healthy weights for 13 years and studied them for factors such as weight gain, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. The authors concluded that compared to non-drinkers, women who were initially of normal weight and consumed alcohol at an average level gained less weight and had a reduced risk of obesity.
A study by the University of Washington, conducted on overweight female mice, found that mice given resveratrol extract—a compound found in red wine—produced more "brown" fat cells. These cells, in contrast to white fat cells, make weight loss easier. While this study is not as conclusive as a human study, it at least suggests that resveratrol may have anti-obesity effects.
Scientists from the two studies attributed these findings to resveratrol in alcohol. This compound may naturally suppress appetite, allowing you to consume fewer calories without experiencing hunger pangs. Resveratrol may also have a positive effect on fat cells by preventing them from accumulating more fat.
Research context
These studies are adding to the evidence that moderate alcohol consumption may actually be beneficial for people trying to lose excess weight. Several recent studies have indicated a link between alcohol use and healthy weight.
A Danish university published a study investigating the relationship between drinking habits and waist circumference and found that people who regularly drink alcohol tend to have smaller waistlines.
A study on overweight and obese mice in the laboratory showed that mice given grape extract reacted well.Pinot Noir not only resulted in weight loss but also lower blood sugar levels in mice compared to those not given the extract.
Other health benefits of Resveratrol
In addition to weight loss, resveratrol has several other benefits, such as protecting the heart by lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It also increases cell sensitivity to insulin and prevents or treats insulin resistance, making it not only effective for weight loss but also reducing the risk of diabetes. Some studies also suggest that resveratrol may help prevent or treat age-related memory disorders and improve mental function.
A few things to consider.
It's important to know that these benefits are primarily found in red wine due to its high resverarol content. While beneficial, this doesn't mean you should drink excessively, as this beverage contains both sugar and calories, and it's also linked to several disorders, such as liver damage, if it becomes a long-term habit. Excessive alcohol consumption also increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
So what constitutes moderation? Moderate amounts are considered to be two drinks daily for men and one drink for women. Furthermore, moderate alcohol consumption is most beneficial when combined with healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
