Over the years there have been studies about the benefits of drinking a moderate amount of wine, and now there’s another good reason to have a glass of Merlot each night.
Recent studies by Washington State University and Harvard Medical School concluded that having two glasses of wine before going to sleep aids in weight loss.
The Harvard study was based on 13 years of research and found that women who drank two glasses of red wine each day had a 70 percent drop in risk of obesity versus those who didn’t drink the liquor each day. While the study focused on females, it’s likely the habit could be beneficial for men as well.
According to the Washington State University study, properties in wine transform “white fat” into “beige fat,” which is easier to burn off. Red wine specifically contains resveratrol, which is present in grape skins. The grapes produce this polyphenol when it tries to protect itself from injury or when it is attacked by pathogens such as fungi and bacteria.
Resveratrol has antioxidative properties for people. In addition to helping ward off obesity, it also fights diabetes and boosts heart and bone health. It’s even been linked to an increase in lifespan.
Red wine is chock full of resveratrol, making it an even more appealing before-bedtime indulgence. And timing is everything. According to an Arizona State University Study, resveratrol can quell your food cravings. If you have a glass of red wine, you’ll be less likely to reach for a late-night snack that can increase your blood sugar levels and add calories to your daily intake.
It’s just another good reason to relax with a Cabernet Sauvignon instead of a Molson. It not only helps you relax—it suppresses your appetite.
If you’re interested in indulging in some popular Canadian red wines, check out the following from British Columbia, as recommended by wine & spirits Columnist Beppi Crosariol:
- Hester Creek Syrah-Viognier 2015
- Quails’ Gate The Boswell Syrah 2015
- Vanessa Vineyard Right Bank 2014
- Stag’s Hollow Syrah 2015
- Black Hills Syrah 2015
- Township 7 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
- Tinhorn Creek Cabernet Franc 2015
Some other popular red wines you may enjoy:
- 50th Parallel Pinot Noir 2013
- Burrowing Owl Merlot 2012
- Painted Rock, Okanagan Valley, Red Icon, 2015
- C. Jentsch Syrah 2013
- Poplar Grove Cabernet Franc 2012
- Poplar Grove The Legacy 2011
- Tinhorn Creek Oldfield Series Merlot 2012
