Who doesn’t like to sip a glass of red wine after a long day at work or enjoy a bottle with a nice dinner? The good news is that red wine, in moderation, could be a tool in your weight loss journey. Yes, you read that right.
Drinking red wine could help you shed a few pounds.
What is in red wine that can help you lose weight?
Red wine has a chemical called resveratrol that can help in weight loss. Resveratrol is a polyphenol that is present in the skin of red grapes and is a powerful antioxidant.
It is known to have anti-inflammatory effects and can help lower blood pressure and lower the risk of heart diseases.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that resveratrol helped to convert white fat into beige fat. White fat is the stubborn fat that accumulates around our waist, hips, and thighs.
Beige fat, on the other hand, is considered the good fat; it is a heat-generating fat that helps in burning calories. Resveratrol in red wine can help activate beige fat, leading to increased calorie burning and weight loss.
How does red wine aid in weight loss?
The following are some ways in which drinking red wine can help you lose weight:.
1. Suppresses appetite
Red wine can suppress your appetite, leading to a reduced calorie intake.
According to a 2014 study published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology, drinking red wine can stimulate the secretion of an appetite-regulating hormone called ghrelin, which signals to your brain that you are full.
2. Burns fat
As mentioned earlier, red wine contains resveratrol, which helps to convert white fat into beige fat. Beige fat is metabolically active and helps in burning calories.
Drinking red wine could help you burn more calories than you do while drinking other alcoholic beverages.
3. Reduces stress levels
Stress is often associated with weight gain. When we are stressed, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage. Red wine helps to reduce stress levels by acting as a relaxant.
A 2010 study published in the American Journal of Physiology – Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology found that resveratrol in red wine helps to reduce stress levels and decrease cortisol production.
How much red wine should you drink for weight loss?
It is important to keep in mind that drinking too much wine can lead to weight gain, so moderation is the key. Drinking one glass of red wine a day can be beneficial for your weight loss journey.
A standard glass of red wine contains around 125 calories, so it is important to factor that into your daily caloric intake if you are trying to lose weight.
Also, keep in mind that different types of red wine have different calorie counts.
A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir has around 125 calories per glass, while a sweeter red wine like Port or Sherry can have up to 200 calories per glass.
Other tips for weight loss
Drinking red wine is just one of the tools that you can use for weight loss. The following are some other tips that can help you achieve your weight loss goals:.
1. Eat protein-rich foods
Eating protein-rich foods can help you feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced calorie intake. Protein also helps to build muscle, which increases your metabolism, leading to more calorie burn.
2. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help you feel full and reduce calorie intake. Water also helps to improve digestion and flush toxins out of your body.
3. Get enough sleep
Research has shown that lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. Getting enough sleep (7-9 hours a night) can help regulate your hormones and reduce cravings.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help in burning calories and building muscle. It is recommended to incorporate both aerobic exercise and strength training for optimal weight loss.
Conclusion
Drinking red wine can be a helpful tool in your weight loss journey, but it is important to remember that moderation is the key. Drinking too much wine can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Also, combining drinking wine with healthy eating and exercise can lead to better weight loss results.