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by Manos Angelakis
The French Paradox And Other Medical Findings
For years we have talked about the French Paradox. The French generally eat a high-fat diet, smoke a lot, yet as a group they have a considerable low incidence of heart disease. Now, researchers have found the scientific details.
Research into the French diet, indicates two major factors that seem to contribute to reduced cardiovascular problems: red wine consumption with meals as well as consumption of fatty fish.
R
 ed wine contains large concentrations of resveratrol, a phytochemical contained in grapes, mulberries, blueberries, cranberries and peanuts. Resveratrol is produced by plants at times of stress i.e. bad weather, insects or other pathogenic attacks. It is mainly used by the plant’s immune defense system as an anti-fungal protection. In humans, it has been shown to stimulate the immune system, in addition to having numerous other beneficial properties. The highest concentration of this chemical is found in the grape skins, with lesser amounts in vines, seeds and stalks; the pulp and juice have the lowest content.
Working as a powerful antioxidant, resveratrol seems to be responsible for a reduction in the LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as acting as an anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory. New research has also shown that resveratrol has the ability to fight a number of skin and lung cancers during early and middle stages.
In red wine production, the grape skins and seeds are kept in contact with the must (grape juice) during the initial fermentation, to give wine the color. In rosé wines the skins remain for a much lesser time in contact with the must, while for white wine from red grapes, the must is removed at the beginning of the process and does not remain in contact with the skins and seeds. Non-fermented grape juice contains a very low concentration of resveratrol, but at least one US juice producer is starting to add resveratrol to their grape-juice line, in the form of grape seed extract.
Wine consumption in the US is hitting an all time high, as more and more persons routinely enjoy it with meals. According to the 2004 edition of the Adams Wine Handbook, it climbed by 5.2% in 2003 to 258.3 million 9-liter cases. Per capita consumption has reached 2.98 gallons per adult in the form of table wines - mostly such popular 100% varietal wines as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Carmenère, Shiraz or Chardonnay from around the world. US males, the persons most in need of cardiac health, are already taking some advantage of the red wine”s health benefits; when asked about their wine preferences, 57% of males stated that they prefer red wine vs. 31% of females.
The second beneficial element of the French diet is oily saltwater fish, such as mackerel, tuna, bluefish, sea bass, salmon and herring that contain large amounts of Omga3-acids, specifically eiscosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid; both are linked to an increase in the good cholesterol that protects heart from disease. Mackerel, sea bass and herring are some of the most popular fish in southern French kitchens.
A diet that combines red wine with oily fish, in addition to a daily brisk walk, would be ideal in keeping one’s heart in good shape, thanks to the French Paradox.
©September/October 2004. All rights reserved.
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