If you are wondering how to get your summertime skinny back, red wine may be your answer.
We have a feeling that you'll have no problem supporting this kind of science - new studies show that your glass of wine might be good for your waistline.
New research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry suggests that chemicals in red wine actually block the growth of fat cells.
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Yet Another Red Wine Plus...
Usually, when people talk about the benefit of red wine, it’s because of the compound resveratrol.
But this new study looks at piceatannol, the chemical compound our bodies convert from resveratrol, says lead researcher Kee-Hong Kim, Ph.D., an assistant professor of food science at Purdue University.
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While much is known about the health benefits of resveratrol, piceatannol is more of a mystery.
In a series of lab tests, Dr. Kim discovered that piceatannol binds to the insulin receptors of fat cells, essentially blocking the pathways necessary for immature fat cells to mature and grow.
In other words, piceatannol actually prevented little, baby fat cells from becoming big, mature ones.
This is the first study to look at the role of piceatannol in controlling fat-cell growth.
More research is needed to see if the results make the leap from Petri dishes to people. In the meantime, there are plenty of other health reasons to enjoy red wine in moderation.
Which Red Wines Are Healthiest?
1. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is one of the healthiest red wines you can drink. Pinot Noir has low tannins but high levels of resveratrol. Additionally, Pinot grapes – particularly those grown in cool-climate regions – start out with less sugar. This means pinot noir has a lower ABV and fewer calories than fuller-bodied wines.
2. Sagrantino
Sagrantino is an antioxidant-rich wine. Sagrantino might contain the most antioxidants of any red wine, according to a study. Sagrantino also has super high tannins.
3. Merlot
Merlot has high levels of resveratrol and procyanidin, which help lower cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health.
4. Cabernet Sauvignon
In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, cabernet sauvignon helps stimulate the production of a protein that plays a role in cell health.
5. Barbera
This red wine from Piedmont, Italy has bright notes of cherry plus a hint of licorice and dried herbs. Aside from being more affordable than other wines made in this region, Barbera is also noted for its heart-health benefits thanks to high levels of resveratrol.
6. Malbec
Malbec has high levels of antioxidants and has been linked to both heart health and immune health.
7. Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo contains high levels of polyphenols like procyanidin. Nebbiolo also has some of the highest levels of melatonin, which is good for people who have trouble sleeping
8. Tannat
Tannat contains high levels of the antioxidant procyanidins, giving it cardiovascular benefits.
9. Cannonau
Cannonau has been linked to heart health and longevity.
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If You Aren't Into Red Wine But Want to Get Your Skinny Back...
Try these piceatannol-containing fruits instead:
- Red grapes. Like red wine, scarlet grapes are high in resveratrol. Research links resveratrol to lower blood pressure, fewer blood clots, and lower LDL cholesterol.
- Blueberries. Anthocyanin—the dark blue pigment found in blueberries—is suspected of helping improve memory. Plus, the high concentration of antioxidants in the berries has been shown to help with inflammation and insulin sensitivity.
- Passion Fruit. High in piceatannol, passion fruit has more cancer-fighting polyphenols than mangoes and grapefruit.
