French paradox

The French Paradox is the term for the observation that the French, despite alcohol consumption ( red wine ) live longer than, say, German or American. Their aging processes are less pronounced. The cholesterol values ​​of the French are comparable to those of other population groups.

This phenomenon was observed in 1819 by the Irish physician Samuel Black. The term French Paradox was coined in 1992 by Dr. Serge Renaud, a researcher at the University of Bordeaux.

The knowledge was drawn from the French Paradox that the red wine - drinking (despite the toxic for the human body alcohol ) should be healthy obviously. This effect arises from the fact that moderate amounts of alcohol by the liver - as well as other substances - can be dismantled without damage, but on the other hand, the probability of certain cardiovascular disease decreases by the vasodilator effect of alcohol. Also, be made as constituent of red wine responsible for the French paradox for red wine in addition oligomeric proanthocyanidins ( OPC). Comparative studies showed, however, that any other moderate alcohol consumption has comparable effects. With increasing amount of alcohol eventually increases the toxic effect of alcohol.

According to recent research, the high polyphenol contents have a positive effect on the heart and circulatory system in a few red wines. So supplies of all varieties, the variety Tannat in traditional processing, ie by prolonged fermentation with skins and seeds (three to four weeks), the highest levels of polyphenols, which have proven to be preventive for heart and circulatory diseases. The Tannat applies because of an article by Dr. Roger Corder in the science journal Nature ( vol 444, p 566 ) as particularly healthy red wine. Because of the high natural content associated with a more thorough extraction of this wine contains polyphenols well four times as much as other red wines tested. As main active constituent procyanidin was identified.

Despite the positive effects of these substances, however, it is debatable whether the French Paradox exists. Thus, the WHO has found in a study that the incidence of heart disease in France has been underestimated. Above all, there are countries with a higher consumption of red wine as France, where such a paradox is not observable. In addition, a clear benefit of red wine compared with abstinence or other alcoholic beverages is not recognizable.