For years experts have been trying to explain the disconnect between France’s typically high-fat diet and relatively healthy population. The rate of heart disease in France is significantly lower than America’s and just 7 percent of French adults are obese, as compared with 22 percent of Americans. So far, researchers are still seeking conclusive answers to explain what is known as the "French Paradox," but there are some interesting, and in some cases obvious, indicators.

The French Diet

Protection against heart disease in France appears to correlate most strongly with the diet in the Southern region of the country, which has much in common with other Mediterranean regions. The diet here is rich in plant foods including often seasonally fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, potatoes, breads and grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Olive oil — a heart-healthy oil — is the principle fat, while cheese and yogurt are also common sources. Fish and poultry are typically consumed weekly, while red meat tends to only be eaten a few times per month. Wine is also moderately consumed with meals, which are often ended with fresh fruit. More sugary, higher-fat desserts on the other hand, tend to only be consumed a few times per week. It’s also important to note that the French typically don’t skip meals or snack in between, and tend to be physically active, walking frequently.

Red Wine

You may have heard research suggesting that the antioxidants in red wine offer protection from cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. While the wine industry has heavily promoted these studies, not all experts agree that this connection has been thoroughly proven. What has become more increasingly clear on the other hand, is that any alcohol-containing beverage appears to offer heart protective benefits when taken in moderation, whether it be red wine, beer, spirits, etc. However, because alcohol is such a major cause of preventable deaths (ie.contributes to liver disease, cancers and so on) experts are very careful not to widely endorse wine or alcohol as a means to protect your heart. Instead, they base recommendations on individuals, emphasizing moderation for those who already consume alcohol.

Portion Size

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently set out to prove what turns out to be a fairly obvious reason as to why the French may be slimmer than Americans. They simply eat less — which, over time, can amount to substantial differences in weight. For example in a comparison of portion sizes in restaurants and grocery stores on both sides of the Atlantic, portions in French restaurants were shown to be on average, 25 percent smaller, and 14 of 17 comparable single-serve items were smaller in French supermarkets. Again, this may seem like an obvious way to keep weight down, but what’s stopping the French from getting seconds? At least part of the answer can be explained by several studies that have shown people tend to consume what is put in front of them and generally consume more when offered more food. To date, much of the debate around the "obesity epidemic" in the United States has focused on personal will power; however this study highlights the importance of the role of the environment and suggests that people may be satisfied even when they are served less than they would normally eat.

Savoring Every Bite

Ironically, although the French seem to eat less than Americans, they generally take more time to eat, and savor their food more. Perhaps because the food also tends to be much less processed than what Americans typically eat, and instead emphasizes freshness and flavor, they are more satisfied with less. In the end, no matter how hard we try to eat right in this country, we tend to overlook the fact that there is no shortcut to good health. So why not do it like the French? Eat less, enjoy more! To get the most out of your meals, seek out the Mediterranean-style foods at the Coop, particularly in the produce, bulk and cheese departments.

References

Paul Rozin, et al. 2003. "The Ecology of Eating: Smaller portion sizes in France than in the United States help explain the French paradox." Psychological Science 14 (5; Sept.): 450.

K. Dunn Gifford. 2004. "Oldways Preservation Trust & Exchange: The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid." Online at www.oldwayspt.org.