Red wine can control obesity

Drinking a moderate amount of red wine can aid weight loss and help control obesity, according to US researchers.

The scientists have identified a substance in the popular tipple that can delay the production of young fat cells, and prevent them from developing into mature fat cells.

The substance, called piceatannol, can also block the insulin in your body from activating genes that help fat cells to form.

"In the presence of piceatannol you can see delay or complete inhibition of young fat cells," said Dr Kee-Hong Kim of Purdue University in Indiana, who led the study.

Moderate red wine consumption is also known to protect against heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It is also reported as helping to prevent the development of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease.

Piceatannol is also present in grapes, blueberries and passion fruit.

Women are advised to drink no more than two to three units of alcohol a day, while the recommended amount for men is three to four units.

A small glass of red wine contains approximately 120 calories is equivalent to one unit.

The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

[Posted: Sun 15/04/2012]