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The French Paradox

How do the French do it? They eat some of the richest, fat-laden foods in the world, yet they are some of the slimmest people in the world. In fact, only 7% of their population is considered obese!

Red wine consumption is one explanation for this phenomenon. You know the French and their wines! One of the active ingredients in red wine is resveratrol, a grape compound from the skins of red grapes that reportedly fights cancer, heart disease and degenerative nerve disease. This fact alone led to an increase in red wine consumption worldwide.

One other thing about the French - they start out the day eating most of their daily food consumption, and then their meals get smaller as their day goes on.

Portion control seems to be another one of the main explanations for the paradox. Most portions are 25% smaller than what we’re accustomed.

Another thing. The French paradox is only a paradox if you assume that dietary fat is the major cause of obesity and cardiovascular disease. The French eat more fat than the rest of us, but they probably eat fewer calories, which over time can make a difference in weight gain.

You’ve no doubt heard the adage, “When in France, do as the French do.” Perhaps if we adopted their eating habits here, our obesity would diminish and our health would increase.