Gin's a bloody brilliant invention, isn't it?
It's like a cold, comforting hug in a glass, and I'm willing to have a lengthy argument with anyone who cares to disagree.
But aside from its delicious taste, it looks like gin could also be good for those of us who are on an eternal diet, as it's been suggested that it could speed up the metabolism.
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BEST NEWS EVER.
According to a study undertaken by the University of Sigulda in Latvia, your favourite tipple may actually speed up your metabolism, and help your body burn calories more efficiently.
I could cry with happiness right now.
In order to conduct their research, the scientists from the university gave two separate groups of mice the equivalent of one shot of either gin or water.
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After doing this, they measured the mice's potential for burning calories.
Surprisingly, the mice who'd necked a shot of gin saw an impressive increase of 17% in their metabolic rate. Meanwhile, those who'd been given water saw no change.
Explaining the experiment's findings, study author Thisa Lyesaid: "Consumption of gin resulted in a marked increase in metabolic rate, which indicates the spirit may have a slimming effect on the body."
Say no more, Thisa. We can be friends.
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But before you start pouring yourself quadruple measures of the good stuff, let me explain the science behind it.
The findings behind the study seem to suggest that drinking gin spurs on some sort of 'afterburn' effect, which could ramp up your metabolism's speed for up to an hour after consumption.
Unfortunately, more peer-reviewed research is needed on us human folk before we can officially start the gin diet, but if they do need any volunteers, I'll be at the front of the queue.
Topics: Weight Loss, Tasty Drink, Food And Drink, food news, Gin, Drinking, Diet