Health and Wellness Review

How can they eat like that and still stay so healthy?

The "French paradox" is the name for the amazing tendency of the French to drink lots of wine and consume lots of oils while remaining in far better health than their American counterparts. The typical French diet is higher in saturated fat than the American diet (hardly low-fat itself!), and the French eat four times as much butter. However, the French are less likely to suffer from heart disease than us Americans.

Though an Irish doctor noted this tendency in the early 1800's, it wasn't until 60 Minutes reported on the phenomenon in 1991 that people really took notice.

Many point to red wine as the critical ingredient. Indeed, red wine in moderation has been found to have a number of positive heath effects, possibly lowering risks of cancer and heart attack. Though alcohol itself has been linked to a reduction in heart disease, particular chemical compounds in red wine also seem to help prevent disease.

Anecdotal evidence also suggests that many Americans tend to lose weight while traveling in France. Reasons for this may include fewer animal fats, less sugar, smaller portions, and an increase in physical activity.

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