PHENOLIAAn innovative concept, focusing onfrench paradox |
The concept of "French paradox" which emerged about 20 years ago, is based on the apparent contradiction between eating habits of French people and their health. Although they eat fat meals and drink wine regularly, the cardiovascular mortality of France (and more particularly of south west inhabitants) is 3.5 times lower than the American one. According to Professor Serge Renaud, "the regular but moderate red wine consumption"mades up for the negative effects of fats. The presence of resveratrol, a plyphenol in red wine is likely to account for this health protective effect. |
Professor Serge Renaud devoted his career to study the effects of eating habits on health. After having worked for more than 10 years for the Canadian Institute of Cardiology, he led the vascular physiopathology and nutrition research unit of the INSERM (Institut National de la Recherche et de la Santé Medicale). |