French Paradox
Beginner History & CultureDefinition
The observation that French people have low heart disease rates despite a high-fat diet.
In Depth
Popularized by a 1991 60 Minutes segment, the French Paradox was attributed partly to moderate red wine consumption. Resveratrol and other polyphenols were credited with cardiovascular benefits. The phenomenon boosted global red wine sales dramatically. Subsequent research suggests the explanation is more complex, involving overall diet, lifestyle, and healthcare factors.
Details
- Category
- History & Culture
- Difficulty
- Beginner