Bellies tend to swell from drinking beer, and over-boozing can lead to late-night binges that tip the scale. Is wine any different? Wine Spectator recently reported on a new Spanish study that brought more good news for fans of fermented grape. The researchers found light-to-moderate wine drinkers (1-2 glasses daily) not only packed on fewer pounds than professed beer or liquor-lovers, they actually gained less weight than general population overall.

Wine has been linked to healthy living before, and scientists are still not sure exactly why. Red wine contains a high concentration of a compound called resveratrol, which has been shown to prevent formation of cholesterol plaque that can lead to heart attacks. Wine is also full of antioxidants, which have been shown to lower the risk of cancer by protecting cells from damage from “free radicals” at the molecular level.

In the new analysis, the authors of the study put forth a few theories for the lower weight gain. In one hypothesis, red wine may cause cells to produce enzymes that improve metabolism of fat. Another possibility is that wine-drinkers tend to have a “healthier overall dietary pattern,” a theory that’s been raised to explain the difference in heart-health statistics between Americans and Europeans.

Whatever the reason, the Spanish research team cautions imbibing should not be looked on as a diet plan. However, according to their findings, when corpulence is a concern, if you drink alcohol “it is better to drink wine.”

Photo via Flickr user DeeJayTee23

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