Wine & Weight Loss

Are you giving up your glass of wine in an effort to lose weight? You might be making a mistake. Wine can be part of a healthy diet, and some research shows that it might even support your efforts. Drinking wine along with your meals will not spur you to lose weight, but it might make your diet more appealing and, in moderation, will probably not hurt your efforts.

A Habit of Skinny People

Prevention Magazine reported in 2006 that a little wine might aid your efforts to lose weight. The magazine reported on a study done by researchers at the Mayo Clinic who examined results from a nationwide survey regarding drinking behavior and weight loss. The data from 8,200 people showed that those who drank up to two alcoholic beverages a day were 54 percent less likely to be obese than those who abstained from alcohol. The researchers guessed that the skinnier people imbibed their glass or two in lieu of late-night, high calorie snacks.

A glass of wine can help make a meal feel special and complete. If you can take the time to set the table, serve a reasonable portion-size, and truly taste your food--you might eat less.

Heart Health

Wine, red varietals in particular, may boost heart health. Wine contains antioxidants and a compound called resveratrol that may protect against hardening of the arteries.The American Heart Association reports that one to two drinks per day may increase "good" cholesterol by about 12 percent, but most of the studies that trumpet the effects of wine on the heart have been observational and inconclusive. Although it is believed that antioxidants play a role in heart health, the way in which this happens still needs to be researched. No clear proof exists that the antioxidants in wine help the heart.

The Mediterranean Diet

The creators of the Mediterranean Diet--editors at Prevention Magazine--point to the possibility that wine could help with weight loss. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes an intake of mainly fruits and vegetables accented with some whole grains and lean meats. Because it is based on the countries that produce and consume a large amount of wine, it is assumed that wine is part of their healthy weight success. The Mediterranean diet typically includes some red wine, but only in moderation. This means around 5 oz. of wine daily for women and no more than 10 oz. of wine daily for men..

Warning

The extent to which wine helps the weight loss process is questionable. No scientific evidence clearly points to wine as a healthful drink, and the American Heart Association notes that there are better ways than wine-drinking exist to lower your risk factors for heart disease. The people of the Mediterranean region probably stay leaner because they pay attention to portion size and limit processed products. Wine still has calories, and those calories can add up. A conservative 5 oz. portion of dry red or white wine contains about 110 calories--restaurants usually pour up to 8 oz. in a serving. Alcohol also reduces your ability to stick to a diet plan because it compromises your thinking and can lead to overeating.

A Glass or Two is OK

Wine may not be the answer to losing your extra pounds, but it certainly can be part of a healthy diet plan. It makes a great alternative to other high calorie frozen and mixed drinks at happy hour and could make your meals feel special enough that late night snacking is unnecessary. Enjoy a glass or two every now and then without guilt.