Drink Up: Science Says Red Wine Can Actually Help You Lose Weight

You already know weight control is largely dependent on eating healthy and exercising frequently.

But what you probably don't know -- but really should know -- is red wine can help you shed pounds, too.

Yes, my dear, drunk friends, you read that correctly.

According to recent research, the resveratrol (an antioxidant) found in your favorite red can help turn bad "yellow" fat to healthy "brown" fat; the latter helps burn off the former.

In a study conducted by researchers at Washington State University, mice were fed high-fat diets and split into two groups: one was given resveratrol and the other wasn't.

The researchers found the group of mice given resveratrol gained about 40 percent less weight than the other group over the course of the study.

Lead researcher Professor Min Du explained,

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 which burns lipids (fats) off as heat, helping to keep the body in balance and prevent obesity and metabolic dysfunction

Of course, red wine is pretty caloric, and you're probably better off getting your antioxidants from low-calorie fruit, such as blueberries, raspberries or even apples.

But if you need an excuse to crack open the red, well, now you have one.

Cheers!

Citations: Wine can help you lose weight no were not kidding (Metro)