Ancient Elixir Promotes Weight Loss

In view of recent publications about health-promoting qualities of red wine, it is good to remember that this elixir of Gods is also traditionally renowned for its strong fat-burning properties. New research indeed shows that natural red wines are a reservoir of unique antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that support the strength of the cardiovascular and immune systems, fight aging, stimulate the growth of healthy cells, protect against radiation, and promote slimness.

Let us explore the miraculous fat-burning qualities of red wine! Scientists say that a compound called resveratrol, which is a natural substance found in small quantities in grapes and in large amounts in wines, is able to decrease the number of body fat cells. Based on a new study, the researchers now suggest that red wine can become a new, revolutionary remedy against obesity!

Previous research showed that resveratrol was very effective in fighting the adverse health effects of a high-calorie diet, at least in mice. The laboratory animals that, on top of their rich menu, received a daily dose of resveratrol, which was comparable to drinking several glasses of wine by humans, had the same health benefits as mice that were fed a calorie-restrictive diet.

A German study also found that, thanks to resveratrol, red wine was able to shrink human fat cells and diminish their total number in obese individuals. In their experiments, the scientists used preadipocytes – precursors of human adipose cells. Amazingly, a regular consumption of red wine was associated with reduced production of these fatty cells. Wine also impeded fat storage and diminished the secretion of so-called cytokines – natural chemicals involved in the development of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and other obesity-related disorders. In addition, resveratrol from red wine accelerated the production of adiponectin - a specific protein proven to reduce the risk of heart disease. In overweight and obese people, this protein is not manufactured in adequate amounts.

These new findings help scientists explain the so-called “French paradox”. The French, who smoke and eat a high-calorie diet heavy in saturated fats and cholesterol, in fact have a much lower incidence of overweight and heart disease in comparison with the Americans. The French cuisine, however, favours a liberal consumption of high-quality, natural red wines, which is now proven to protect against gaining weight and developing atherosclerosis, diabetes, and other “diseases of civilisation”.

Resveratrol from grape wines is a natural compound that has a strong health-promoting effect that can also be useful in preventing and treating obesity, says lead author of the German study Dr. Fischer-Posovszky.

How much of red wine is enough to induce the health-protecting effect and make us lose weight? Researchers say that several glasses a day, taken with foods, may be utterly beneficial. Especially healthy is unpasteurised, young red wine without added sulphites. However, large portions of alcohol may be associated with negative health implication, such as development of alcoholism and even breast cancer; this is why moderation in wine consumption is still the key. Resveratrol is a compound similar in its structure to estrogen-like plant molecules called phytoestrogens, and its excessive intake can disrupt the established hormonal balance within the body. Phytoestrogens are also found in large quantities in soy products.

Tim Ford