The French paradox

The French eat more saturated fats than Americans and yet the French have less cardiovascular disease.

The French use 108 g of animal fats per day while Americans use "only" 72 g. Americans consume more healthy fats such as soy oil and minarine, while the French eat more butter and fatty cheeses. Yet mortality from cardiovascular disease in America is 25% higher.

The explanation lies mainly in the Mediterranean diet. That contains less sugar and soft drinks. The French take more time to eat and snack less between meals and eat less fast food. They use more fats from dairy: cheese, butter, milk, yoghurt and eat more fish.

Due to the mild climate in (South) France, people also travel more by bicycle or on foot. But red wine would also play a role because it contains procyanidins. These are said to lower blood pressure. But the beneficial effect of wine only applies if wine consumption is limited to 2 glasses per day and combined with the Mediterranean diet.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024