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We have reached the time of year when many people start thinking about shedding a few pounds. If you fit into that category, science has something good to say to you.

In July 2015, a study was done in Washington State University that showed how weight loss and wine are closely associated with each other. It’s all thanks to resveratrol, a compound found in red wine that can convert white fat into beige fat, which makes it easier to burn.

Another study conducted in 2012 showed that it’s best to have a glass of wine late at night. Doing so helps with weight loss by reducing snacking.

Photo: Flickr / Marco Verch Professional

If this sounds like good news to you, don’t break out the Merlot and keep it by your nightstand just yet. Doctors don’t typically like to recommend people drink wine because there can be negative side effects if you drink too much. In addition, there are other ways to lose weight that include resveratrol and are not so inefficient.

“Many of the beneficial polyphenols are insoluble and get filtered out during the wine production process,” said Professor Min Du of Washington State rather than drinking wine, he feels that you could snack on strawberries, grapes or blueberries to get the natural boost of resveratrol to help with weight loss.