Remember That 60 minutes Episode About Wine?

(Updated 2/2/25)

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.  Until the movie "Sideways' was released and relegated Merlot to the back shelves.  

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.

Further research is always welcome, but we should consider the "French Paradox" and maintain perspective. Rather than focusing on a single glass of Cabernet with dinner, perhaps we should consider the broader context: a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, perhaps, embracing a bit of the French "joie de vivre."

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!