Looking at the French Paradox on Bastille Day

Today as the French celebrate Bastille Day, it seems fitting to discuss a health-related topic de français. The French Paradox is the quippy term given to the finding that despite high intake of saturated fat those living in France have a lower rate of cardiovascular disease.

If you like to drink red wine, it was this scientific discovery that you have to thank for your doctor giving you the green light to have a glass or two a night as a means to promote your heart health. That’s because much of the initial French Paradox research spotlight focused on the potential benefits of this libation, cited as playing a large role in the country’s culture and foodways.

Since then researchers have discovered many unique phytonutrients in red wine, the most talked about being resveratrol. This flavonoid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; in test tube and animal research it has also been found to promote the health of both vascular and heart cells. Additionally, there is currently a lot of research attention being paid to its suggested anticancer and anti-aging benefits. Yet, resveratrol isn’t the only beneficial phytonutrient in red wine; others, such as oligomeric procyanidins, have also caught researchers attentions for their ability to promote cardiovascular health.

Yet, is red wine truly the fountain of youth, the reason that the French have that wellness je ne sais quoi? While it may have some benefit, it seems imprudent to put all one’s health hopes in one basket (or one decanter, as the case may be). As red wine is touted as a panacea, it’s easy to forget that it does contain alcohol and that too much alcohol can have very negative health consequences, including liver damage, blood sugar imbalance, and impairment of coordination and judgment. Should you want to partake of some of the benefits of red wine without actually imbibing, you can enjoy dealcoholized wine or red/purple grapes instead.

Additionally, it may end up not being red wine at all that is at the centerpiece of the benefits of the French diet. Potentially, it may be a more simple reason, one that researchers and healthcare experts are beginning to focus upon: overall diet quality. Compared to the standard American diet (appropriately abbreviated as SAD), the traditional French diet tends to consist more of whole foods and less of processed foods. Concurrently, it may be the fact that the French enjoy a wider range of nutrients—found in whole foods—and a lower intake of negative food compounds such as trans fats, refined sugar, and preservatives—found in processed foods—that is the explanation behind this so-called French dietary enigma.

The difference in the psychosocial context of food may play a role here as well. A traditional meal in France is often a relaxing, joyous occasion with friends and family gathering around the table to converse and catch up, enjoying each other and the food that they share. Food is celebrated and part of a celebration. Compare this to our culture where food is too often a source of worry, consternation, and guilt. Potentially there is something within the French approach to eating, this culinary joie de vivre, that nourishes the heart, and consequently heart health.

So today, as the French celebrate Bastille Day, why not take a lesson from their culture and foodways. Make a toast to your health—à votre santé—with a glass of red wine (or the beverage of your choice) and by enjoying a leisurely meal of delicious foods among the company of friends and/or family.