Women, Wine and Weight

It's been a while since red wine became famous for it's heart-healthy benefits. Researchers at Harvard included moderate alcohol consumption in their "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk." The seeds and skin of the grapes contain flavonoids, antioxidants that reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, raise HDL (good) cholesterol. But recent research shows that wine isn't just good for your heart: it's also good for your waist.

The study, performed by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, included almost 20,000 slim women 39 and older. The study followed the women for around 13 years, and noted both amount of alcohol intake and weight over time. The women classified themselves as either non-drinkers, having 1/2 a drink a day, 1/2 to 1 1/2 drinks a day, 1 1/2 to 3 drinks a day or more than 3 drinks a day.

At the end of the study, the women who drank 1 1/2 to 3 drinks a day were the least likely to become overweight or obese. These women were 30 percent less likely to become obese than non-drinkers - who, surprisingly, gained the most weight of any of the groups. The most benefit was from drinking dark red wines, but the women who drank lighter wines and spirits were also less likely than the non-drinkers to gain weight.

Researchers have come up with several possible causes for the results of this study. After women drank, they burned off the calories from their drinks, and additional calories as well. The study also showed that the women who drank ate fewer carbohydrates than the non-drinking group, and fewer calories overall. Some point out that women who drink a glass or two of wine to relax are consuming more calories than women who unwind by eating cake, chocolate or other desserts. The study authors also noted that the liver may process alcohol into heat instead of fat, so the body isn't storing the extra calories consumed through alcohol.

But what exactly does this study mean? Doctors and nutritionists are quick to point out that women who don't drink shouldn't start just because of these results. Alcohol consumption can still cause health problems, especially when women consume large amounts consistently. However, the study does show yet another benefit of moderate alcohol consumption: one that women who drink wine can raise their glass to.

Brigham and Women's Hospital: Study: Women Who Drink Moderately Appear to Gain Less Weight than Non-Drinkers