Debunking the French Paradox

By Gabriela Rosa - Natural Fertility Specialist & Naturopath | EFT, Natural Fertility, Men & Women’s Health

Red wine has been all the rage for a few years now, thanks to the observation known as the French Paradox. This term has been applied because supposedly the French have a lower obesity rate, lower percentage of coronary disease and longer life span despite their fat laden diet, alcohol consumption and smoking habits. While some may credit the wine appreciation for their good health, there are many other diet and lifestyle factors that should be acknowledged. For instance, the French consume smaller food portions when compared to some other countries. Savoring smaller portions throughout the day is actually what nature intended- Versus gorging oneself thrice daily. They also have an overall lower sugar intake, less “junk,” more fish, whole foods and more “good” fats than “bad” fats. While they do consume alcohol, most tend to practice moderation. Add to that, most people take public transportation and walk to get about town, meaning more exercise. The weather is mostly nice, which encourages activity. They have a 35 hour work week and full time workers get at least five weeks of vacation time, which could mean less stress, or at least better stress management. Generally as a culture there is less focus on materialism, and more interest in ‘good food’, good times and human interaction. In France, everyone has access to quality healthcare and natural medicine including homeopathy is widely accepted. It’s simply a healthier lifestyle, not a paradox.

So what’s up with the wine?

Researchers found antioxidants in red wine, specifically resveratrol and procyanidins. It was then decided this must be the reason the French are healthier despite the whole fat-booze-smoking thing. Of course, both the health food and wine industry’s marketing geniuses took this notion and ran with it…Voila! We have hype!

Well, the wine does have these antioxidants, but there’s a catch. Red wine has a lot more than white wine, and then, not all red wines are praiseworthy in terms of antioxidant content, only a select few. The antioxidants in the wine come from the grapes, particularly the seeds and skin of the grapes having the highest content. The grapes produce these antioxidants in response to colder climates, and less than hospitable soil. That said, the wine (i.e. alcohol) itself is not beneficial for good health, the real benefits are in the grape seeds and skin. Some grapes with high antioxidant content, which are used for wine, include Pinot Noir, Concord, Tannat, and Muscadines.

Another obvious catch

Alcohol is bad for you! It is very toxic to the entire body and mind, damages organs, causes disease and imbalances, is an addictive substance and has been found to cause infertility in both men and women (with the added bonus of impotence in men). It must never be consumed by couples trying to conceive (Yes, couples, not just the mum!) or by pregnant or nursing women. Consumed in excess, it causes stupor, vomiting and incorrigible behavior… Interestingly research shows that it takes 7 days to recover from a big boozy night. So could you be constantly drunk? Furthermore, wine is not the best source of resveratrol and procyanidins!

Resveratrol is found in grapes, muscadines, acai berries, mulberries, blueberries, cranberries, and dark chocolate (the high cocoa content kind). Procyanidins are present in apples (Red Delicious and Granny Smith have the most), grapes, acai berries, blueberries, dark chocolate, green tea, cinnamon, sorghum bran, cranberries and many other fruits and vegetables.

Leading Sydney-based clinical naturopath and natural fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa publishes the two celebrated ‘Natural Health Booster’ and ‘Natural Fertility Booster’ ezines with 1,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to optimise your health, wellbeing and fertility, get your FREE tips now at www.boostyourhealthnow.com or www.boostyourfertilitynow.com.

Gabriela has limited private consultations available, to make an appointment please phone Julia or Carolina on 1300 85 84 90.

Keywords: Alcohol > Fertility > French Paradox > Health > Red wine