Remember the French Paradox? Red Wine, Health, and Today's Neo-Prohibitionists

Remember that 60 Minutes episode back in 1991? The one called "The French Paradox"? It was a game-changer. Morley Safer, that iconic newsman, dug into why the French, despite a diet rich in butter and cheese, had surprisingly low rates of heart disease. The answer? Red wine.

Suddenly, everyone was talking about resveratrol and antioxidants. Red wine sales exploded. It was like a health halo descended upon that bottle of Merlot.

But here's the thing: the "French Paradox" wasn't just about wine. It was about a whole lifestyle – leisurely meals, less processed food, and yes, moderate wine consumption.

Fast forward to today, and we've got a new wave of folks preaching teetotalism. They're shouting from the rooftops that any amount of alcohol is bad news. Is that the whole story, though?

Let's be real, excessive drinking is definitely harmful. No argument there. But moderate alcohol consumption, especially red wine, has been linked to some potential benefits, like improved heart health and maybe even a longer life.

Of course, more research is always needed. But it's worth remembering the "French Paradox" and taking a balanced view. Maybe it's not about demonizing a single glass of Cabernet with dinner, but about looking at the bigger picture – a healthy diet, an active lifestyle, and yes, maybe a little bit of that good life the French seem to have figured out.

What do you think? Is it time to revisit the "French Paradox" in light of today's health trends? Let me know in the comments!