The French Paradox

French Paradox reflects how a cultural selection for consumption of red wine high in phytonutrient content can help counter poor dietary habits and improve health.

The French Paradox is based on studies that showed the French suffer lower incidences of coronary heart disease, in spite of the fact that their diet is typically high in saturated fats.

This was first noted in 1819 by Irish physician, Samuel Black. However, the term "French Paradox" was coined by Dr. Serge Renaud, a scientist from Bordeaux University in France in 1992. When a description of this paradox was aired in the United States on 60 Minutes (1991) with the proposal that red wine, or alcohol, decreases the incidence of cardiac diseases, the consumption of red wine increased 44% and some wineries began lobbying for the right to label their products "health food".

Some health researchers question the validity of this paradox. Statistics collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) from 1990–2000 show that the incidence of heart disease in France may have been underestimated, and may in fact be similar to that of neighboring countries. In 2008 it was found that high doses of resveratrol (an element of red wine) mimicked some of the benefits of caloric restriction (including reduced effects of aging) in a study of mice.  (In part from Wikipedia)

The French Paradox argues that the phytonutrients in wine can yield health benefits. However, nothing works in isolation. Lifestyle, social activities, exercise and phytonutrient consumption all play a role. If someone likes the occasional glass of wine they might wish to indulge with friends or at a family meal in a rewarding and stress-reducing setting. The alcohol (in moderation) can also contribute to relaxation.

To read more about the French Paradox and how phytonutrients also relate to caloric restriction, Blue Zones and phytotherapy ?regimens (click) » MORE Info