French paradox

British  

noun

1. the theory that the lower incidence of heart disease in Mediterranean countries compared to that in the US is a consequence of the larger intake of flavonoids from red wine in these countries

---

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, it grew increasingly difficult to pin the French paradox on wine alone.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2023

Then came 1991, Renaud’s 60 Minutes appearance, and a French paradox that the public couldn’t resist.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2023

The French paradox quickly found a receptive audience.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2023

During the 1990s, scientists became interested in the French paradox – the now discredited observation that heart disease rates were low in France despite a national diet high in saturated fats.

From The Guardian • Mar. 25, 2018

There is no French paradox, really, only an American paradox: a notably unhealthy people obsessed with the idea of eating healthily.

From Time Magazine Archive