French consume 3x more saturated fats then US, but get 1/3 of heart disease

[spesmilitis]

http://independent.com/news/2007/oct/25/eating-french/

The author concluded that this is because the French are less stressed. Maybe thats true. But I have a feeling it is because they eat mostly unprocessed foods and that saturated fats aren't as bad as the media/govt portrays.

 

[Mr Autobahn]

I remember asking someone who stayed in France for a couple of years whether it was true or not that the French were skinnier than Americans.

She said yes. I asked her if she had any idea why? I think she said two reasons. One was they ate the heavier meals earlier in the day and only had a small dinner. The second was that they walked everywhere.

 

[WaterTiger]

And the WINE! French people drink a lot of wine. Red wine has flavinoids or some such in it and it helps prevent heartattacks.

 

[g g g unit]

and they don't shove piles of mc fatburger down their holes every day.

 

[mintxx]

mmm fat. wba WILL be pleased.

 

[Heart Break Kid]

I grew up in Paris... it's not THAT different. But I do feel it is much more laid back than the US. Wine must help too... I am probably the only person in my dorm who has red wine...

 

[bigjohnson]

.... I have a feeling it is because they eat mostly unprocessed foods and that saturated fats aren't as bad as the media/govt portrays.

I'm with you there. :rockon:

 

[Dilberto]

The wine makes a difference. And, with gov't sponsored healthcare in France- they prolly don't stress as much about medical bills, either. They also take longer, mentally-refreshing, vacations(average 3-5 weeks/yr).....compared to the US- who few are lucky to even get their two-weeks of PTO.

 

[mintxx]

I remember asking someone who stayed in France for a couple of years whether it was true or not that the French were skinnier than Americans.

She said yes. I asked her if she had any idea why? I think she said two reasons. One was they ate the heavier meals earlier in the day and only had a small dinner. The second was that they walked everywhere.

To my mind these make the most sense and match what I've heard.

 

[KarmaSutra]

The French also are a bunch of goddamned chronic smokers.