From the Awesome Files: Red Wine May Keep You from Getting Fat
So under the Best News Ever category, earlier this week The Telegraph printed an article that red wine can help you lose weight.
This isn’t really blockbuster news as researchers from Boston and Indiana in the US, as well as Spain have completed separate studies on this very topic. In fact, we’ve also written about it before, but because two of our very favourite things are wine and losing weight, we decided it’s worth another flip through that photo album.
Scientists attribute the weight loss benefits to chemicals naturally occurring in red wine; among them: resveratol, which is thought to suppress the appetite and mimic a low fat diet; and piceatannol, which delays the formation of young fat cells and stops them from developing into mature fat cells. Additionally, another study suggests wine-drinking women are able to keep trim because they seem to eat less after indulging and are generally more active than teetotallers.
But before you shout out, “yay, we win!” there is a dark cloud to this silver lining: drink to much, and you can expect not only the positive effects of boozing to be erased, but you could also pick up a bunch of other awful things like certain cancers, liver damage … and maybe a dependancy, which is never good.
It looks like for the most part, one 4-6 oz. glass a day is what’s advised, so we’re curious to know what you think about wine and the ability to lose weight? Let us know if it’s part of your health regime in the comments below.
Meanwhile, here’s some organic and biodynamic wines that may be just what the doctor ordered. Santé!
Southbrook “Triomphe” Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara on the Lake, 2010
$21.95 Vintages 275958
This is 100% organic and biodynamically grown Cab Franc — one of our favourite grapes and a wine that Ontario does really well. Look for dark berries, spice and earthy notes. Try with cabbage rolls or grilled beef tenderloin.
Grgich Hills Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2009
$51.95 Vintages 346304
From top producer, Grgich comes this biodynamically produced Chard in a full-bodied, Burgdundian style. Enjoy with roast chicken or wild mushroom risotto.
Querciabella Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy, 2007
$31.95 Vintages 728816
We had this wine for Courtney’s birthday dinner in early summer, paired with homemade cioppino and & caesar salad. Look for bright red cherry, chocolate, spice and cured meat flavours. Querciabella has been organic since 1988 & biodynamic since 2000, and is widely considered a top Chianti Classico producer.
Emiliana Signos de Origen la Vinilla Chardonnay/Viognier/Marsanne/Rousanne, Casablanca Valley, Chile, 2010
$19.95 Vintages 63909
This is a great white to enjoy in cooler weather, as it’s rich and full bodied but is still very food friendly. Rich and full bodied, this should pair nicely with everything from vegetarian curries to grilled seafood in butter/cream sauces to tender roast pork.