Ahh the French… No country has ever had it so good. Not only are they known for great food and exquisite taste in fashion – they are now starting (what may be) a new health trend. The ‘French Paradox’ has been baffling experts since the 90′s. Despite an intoxicating diet of meat, dairy and other fat fuelled treats, the French have shown lower incidents of heart ailments than most countries with more health obsessed eating habits.

Meanwhile, Americans are still struggling with serious health problems, despite being more obsessed with fitness and health food more than any other country in the world. Some people even have weight issues their whole lives! The question is: What are the French doing to stay healthier longer?

Red Wine: The French Connection

Experts are coming up with studies to determine if the French habit of drinking red wine is part of this phenomenon. According to the National Cancer Institute (U.S. Institute of Health), red wine is rich in antioxidants. It’s teeming with powerful anti-aging compounds called ‘polyphenols’. Red wine has two. The more popular one is called Resveratrol.

How Antioxidants like Resveratrol Can Help You

What is it and where does it come from? Reservatrol, an anti-aging antioxidant, is produced by plants to fight off stress. Some experts are testing this theory and are seeing some positive results with regards to healing and reversing free radicals (slowing breakdown and the aging process.) But before I get ahead of myself, you’ll still need to know one more important thing before heading towards that glass of red wine tonight.

According to a well known celebrity doctor (in a recent episode on Oprah), you have to drink a dozen bottles of red wine first before you get the most benefits from Resveratrol. (Ugh. Imagine the hangover.) The good news is, you can get this powerful anti-aging antioxidant through other ways.

If you’re like me and do not savor having alcohol even in the occasional amounts, you can get this compound from other more natural sources like peanuts, grape juice and other dark skinned fruits like cranberries and blueberries. Just recently, these compounds have also been chemically reproduced in supplement form for more optimal results. But before anything else, seek professional medical advice first before you pop any pill in your mouth.

Personally, I believe all health fads all say the same thing. Eat right, get enough rest and take care of your body. You can be creative as much as you want, but no matter what you do, it all comes down to that.

Red wine, peanuts and blueberries may just be one of the many paths towards the elusive fountain of youth. They may be one of the simplest ways to get that healthy glow back; no French passport required. Good luck and Bon Appetit!