According to new research, alcohol can help people lose weight, provided they eat nuts and other healthy snacks. Scientists say that high-proteins soak alcohol without resulting in pot bellies.
Alcohol stimulates the urge to snack
Alcohol stimulates the urge to snack, yet it need not result in weight gain. This is termed the “aperitif effect.” 9,341 Australians form the basis of the results. Participants came from the broadest and most complete study of its kind, the Australian National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. In line with expectations, those who consumed alcohol ate more savoury dishes.
According to the University of Sydney study, drinkers who chose high-protein, lean diets generally consumed fewer calories than those who abstained from alcohol. These include dried or fresh fruit, olives, cocktail onions, popcorn, cheeses, deli meats, raw vegetables, and dips.
Senior study author David Raubenheimer said this was linked with reduced energy intake in some individuals but increased caloric intake in others. Most participants picked high-protein foods like lean meat, seafood, legumes, nuts, and poultry. Analysis showed that they consumed 1,749 calories per day on average on top of calories from alcohol. However, this was less than the 2,200 calories accumulated by non-drinkers.
Alcohol increases appetite for savoy foods through the “aperitif effect.”
Lead study author D Amanda Grech said alcohol increases appetite for savoury foods through the “aperitif effect .” According to recent studies, drinking alcohol causes levels of FGF-21 to rise. This hormone enhances the demand for proteins while decreasing the appetite for sweets. Protein is recognized to have a satiating influence. Researchers sought to determine if people choose protein-rich savoury foods while drinking and, if they do, if this causes them to consume fewer calories overall, even though alcohol provides additional energy.
Alcohol has a lot of energy. However, there is conflicting evidence that it causes weight gain. The most recent study is the only one to consider other dietary factors. According to the study, alcohol doesn’t necessarily lead to weight gain despite its large sugar content.
